Otumfuo's visit and Legon's nightmare - Occasional Kwatriot Kwesi Yankah writes

Happily the Viking delegation was graciously received by Otumfuor at Manhyia, and even pampered with a sumptuous dinner.

But why Otumfuo Osei Tutu as Special Guest of Honor? He had hit the ground running as the new King of Asante in 1999, having shown remarkable interest in education.

Furthermore, his inner circle was a virtual Viking enclave. His wife Lady Julia (Amaning) was a proud Viking; the occupant of the Asante silver stool, Nana Osei Bonsu II (alias Gyimah Kessie) was a Viking, and so was Otumfuo’s special aide, Mawerehene, Dr Baafuor Hyeaman Brantuo.

Even though Father for all, Otumfuo was a Viking by osmosis, so we proclaimed.

Our diplomatic move was indeed meant to enhance the aura and dignity of Mensah Sarbah Hall, plus this other benefit we only whispered:

Our impending ceremony being a fund raising event, incidental windfalls could drop as we rubbed shoulders with the kingdom of gold.
While we were all set for the historic event came the shocking news: the Labadi stool would not tolerate the visit of Otumfuo!

An anti-climax was in the offing; the well-publicized event could be called off, and the Hall hit with the shame of setting our targets too high.

But why would a visit by Otumfuo to an autonomous university or any part of Ghana be considered a breach?

Did the King of Asante need a visa to visit Accra?

While the answers were not clear, we sent a delegation to the Labadi chief and elders; strategically among our envoys was Professor Irene Odotei herself from Labadi.

The Labadi palace was crowded that day, peering eyes flaming with rage. 

The query posed was simple: why had Otumfuo Osei Tutu been invited for a role that could be played by the Chief of Labadi?

Our delegation exchanged curious glances; but the bouquet of answers we rattled was unacceptable: ‘Otumfuo is our Chief patron…the Chief of Labadi has also been invited…the hall has hosted other chiefs in the past, etc. Those ‘booklong’ responses were not enough to cool tempers. We returned to Legon frustrated, but did not surrender.

Days of negotiation continued between Legon authorities and Labadi youth and elders.

Quietly behind the scenes were moves by former Regional Minister for Ashanti, Kojo Yankah.

Then came a major initiative by ‘King Solomon,’ who sent a special emissary to whisper in the ears of Labadi chief, ‘my own brother’ in the words of Otumfuo. Grounds started softening, only for tensions to rise from further agitation by the Labadi youths.

The sod cutting event eventually came on, but under a thick cloud of tension and tight national security, with angry Labadi youths lurking at the margins and reporting proceedings by phone.

I was the master of ceremonies that day prancing back and forth, and narrating the Asante history of conquest which had given way to a war against illiteracy! Otumfuor had taken Legon by storm that day, with a huge retinue of chiefs and elders coming down from Kumasi. University of Ghana had somehow survived the fury of Labadi, leaving only a residue of suspense

If Otumfuo Osei Tutu last Sunday paid a successful courtesy call on Ga Mantse, it can be truly said, we have come a long way as a Republic.

The King of Asante after all needs no entry visa for a formal visit to Accra.

Legon still remembers.

kwyankah@yahoo.com