The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a firm directive to the Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, to ensure the timely burial of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, within three weeks. He has emphasized that there should be no delays in the funeral arrangements.
At an Asanteman meeting in Kumasi on Monday, May 5, Otumfuo insisted that the one-week observation for the departed chief, who served as Asanteman’s second-in-command and occupant of the Silver Stool, must take place on Monday, May 12. He further instructed that the final funeral rites be held three weeks after the one-week observance.
“I do not want any delays,” the Asantehene said. “Tell his mother, the Mamponghemaa, that everything must be completed within 40 days. The one-week observance should be done next week, the burial must follow in three weeks, and after 40 days, a successor must be named.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II added that the process of selecting and enstooling a new chief to occupy the Silver Stool must commence immediately following the 40-day observance period.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He had been taken to the KNUST Hospital in Kumasi on April 17 before being transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he was pronounced dead.
The Asantehene was officially informed of his death on Monday, April 28, in line with customary protocols. The Gyaasehene, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa, later made a formal announcement in Mampong.
In recent times, the late chief made headlines for issuing an ultimatum to certain members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in his jurisdiction, demanding an apology after claims surfaced that no Asante would be allowed to serve as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Mampong.
Born on December 31, 1939, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was known in private life as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie. A distinguished lawyer and economist, he previously served as Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Until his passing, he held the position of Vice President of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs.
