The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to attend the funeral of the late Paramount Chief of Berekum Traditional Area, Daasebre Dr. Amankona Diawuo II, today, November 23, 2023.
He’s attending the funeral with a large retinue to be transported by 20 huge buses which are parked at the Manhyia Palace to pay their last respect to the former paramount chief.
Traditionally, the Otumfuor should be the last person to attend the burial of a Berekumhene because it is within his jurisdiction and right to enstool a new chief, after the burial.
In the meantime, Osagyefo Nana Agyeman Badu, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, has been ordered by the Sunnyani High Court not to attend the funeral ceremonies of Daasebre Dr. Amankona Diawuo II, the late Paramount Chief of the Berekum Traditional Area.
The Berekum Traditional Council’s Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II filed an action before the court, which resulted in the order.
The Dormaahene had planned to attend the funeral at a time when Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, would also be attending the occasion; this scenario could have disrupted the tranquility in the area, which is why it was decided to obtain the injunction.
The President, members of the Bono Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, the Dormaahene, and other well-known individuals were reportedly expected to attend the funeral on Wednesday, November 22, according to a program outline published by the Berekum Traditional Council.
In order for the Asantehene to attend the funeral on Thursday, November 23, this was done.
Since it is within his authority and right to enstool a new chief following the burial, the Otumfuor is customarily expected to be the final person to attend a Berekumhene’s funeral.
Nevertheless, the Dormaahene, who was scheduled to attend the occasion earlier, failed to do so and purportedly stated that she intended to attend concurrently with the Otumfour, forcing the Berekum Traditional Council to request the court order.
Sources claim that this was done to avoid any possible disruption that would occur if the two traditional heads happened to meet at the ceremony at the same time.
The Ghana Police Service has also been asked by the court to support the Berekum Traditional Council in enforcing the injunction order to preserve peace in Berekum and the surrounding area.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
