By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
The mortal remains of the Mamponghene, Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, have been laid in state at the Amaniampong Silver Stool Palace in Asante Mampong.
The ‘Dɔte Yie’, the customary and traditional burial rite, began on Friday with the widowhood rite, known as Adwaredeɛ, which involved the presentation of articles on behalf of the Omanhene’s widow, Oheneyere Gyimah Kesse, to the Bretuo Royal Family.
These articles comprised both ancient and modern gifts, reflecting the deceased’s dual identity as a chief and the second-in-command in the hierarchy of Asanteman. Notable among the items were a stool bearing the Bretuo Royal Family totem and a chief’s crown.
The widow’s family presented the items, which were received on behalf of the royal family by the Mamponmanhemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie.
This was followed by a religious ceremony performed by the Anglican Church, the denomination of Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, to honour their departed member.
Afterward, the body was laid in state, accompanied by traditional performances from priests and priestesses throughout the night into Saturday morning.
Nana Agyakoma Difie led the filing past, joined by sub-chiefs of the Mampong Traditional Area and paramount queen mothers from the Ashanti and Bono regions. The widow and her daughter mourned their loved one in an atmosphere of solemnity.
Following this, the public, especially residents of the Mampong Traditional Area, were invited to file past the body and pay their last respects to their paramount chief.
The ‘Dɔte Yie’ is expected to last three days, ending on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend the final day of the rites are the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, along with other Amanhene of Asanteman and members of the political class.
The Paramount Chief of Mampong holds the Silver Stool of Asanteman and is the second-highest-ranking traditional leader, acting in the absence of the Asantehene.
Under the Chieftaincy Act, the Mamponghene is officially recognized as the Vice President of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, a recognition of Asanteman’s historical and traditional governance structure. The Asantehene serves as the President.
The Mamponghene also leads the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs’ delegation to the National House of Chiefs, where the late Dasebre Osei Bonsu II served on the Standing Committee for many years.
He also acted as Asantehene in 1999, between the death of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and the coronation of the current Asantehene.
Dasebre Osei Bonsu II is only the second occupant of the Amaniampong Silver Stool to have died while in office in its 98-year history.
Traditionally, the Mamponghene serves as the war general of Asanteman and holds historical importance, with his predecessors having played a crucial role in the Asante victory over Denkyira.
