Okyehene, Otumfuo's Sompahene clash at JB’s funeral

The funeral of the late JB Danquah at Old Tafo on Saturday was nearly marred by a brief confrontation between the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amotia Oforipanin, and the Sompahene, who represented the Asantehene at the Funeral

However, the swift intervention by the police averted what would have been a monumental embarrassment at the Old Tafo Roman Catholic Park, the venue for Saturdays event.

The standoff was triggered by the refusal of the Sumpohene and his entourage to greet the Okyehene - a move, which was seen as a breach of protocol by the subjects of the overlord of Akyem Abuakwa. Earlier, Sompahene’s entourage had refused to rise up when the Okyehene arrived at the funeral grounds even though other traditional representatives had accorded him the respect by rising up.

The action of the Sompahene and his entourage infuriated the subjects of the Okyehene, who berated the representatives of the Asantehene. The confrontation turned into a scuffle as members of the Sompahene removed the crown of the Okyehene to render him powerless. The police quickly rushed to the scene and restored calm.

Later, the Sompahene and his entourage tried to make amends by formally greeting the Okyehene but he refused.

Some onlookers were visibly shocked at the turn of events as there were many dignitaries present. Others were however not surprised as they sought to put the incident into historical perspective.