The Suntreso Medical Director and historian at the Manhyia Palace, Dr Agyarko Opoku, has explained why once Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is seated, no chief is allowed at the event, except the Juabenhene and Akyempemhene.

According to him, the Juabenhene, in Ashanti tradition and customs, plays a vital and crucial role as a member of the Oyoko royal family.

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He made this known while speaking to Channel One TV during the funeral rites of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

He explained that the Juabenhene, who is also the Abakomanhene and second-in-command of the Oyoko royal lineage, is responsible for handling affairs in the absence of the Asantehene to ensure that matters are properly addressed.

“Ashanti custom and tradition demand that Otumfuo remain the last person to take his seat at any durbar or any function. Again, he is the last person to speak and after that, the ceremony is over. However, as you have noticed, when Otumfuo sits, you see Juabenhene coming in. Juabenhene is an important person in Ashanti tradition.

“First, he belongs to the Oyoko family and he's the Abakumanhene. In the past, we used to have Abakuman, which is the second in command, not in terms of Asanteman or Kumasi, but the royal family. The Oyoko family is now headed by the Asantehene but when he is not around and anything happens to the Oyoko family, the Juabenhene must be informed. So, as Abakumanhene, he makes sure that everything is done and settled and then when all things are done, a message is sent to him that Nana is seated and that he should come,” he explained.

Dr Opoku further explained that the Oyokohene takes charge of affairs in the absence of the Juabenhene in Kumasi.

However, he added that once the Juabenhene is present in Kumasi, he assumes the position and responsibilities of the Oyokohene.

“Now, because the Juabenhene is not in Kumasi, the one who takes his place is the Oyokohene, so, we have Oyokohene in Kumasi but when Juabenhene is in Kumasi, he takes the position of the Oyokohene and that is why Otumfuo sits before Juabenhene comes,” he stated.

On the Akyempemhene, Dr Opoku elaborated that he also plays a role when the Otumfuo is already seated, as he is the son of the Asantehene.

However, he was quick to add that the Akyempemhene is also the last to leave any function attended by the Otumfuo.

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He explained saying; “One other chief who comes when Otumfuo is already seated is Akyempemhene, who is the son of Asantehene. He comes when even Otumfuo is seated. He is also the last person to leave, when Otumfuo has left the function. He sits until a message is received from Manhyia that Otumfuo has reached home and then he goes home. He is the Kyidomhene, the one at the back who is taking care of whatever happens in the rear.”

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