In a powerful speech eulogising the Asantehene as a pillar of peace, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, minced no words, declaring that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II represents the face of Ghana.
The Olu, who was the royal guest at the World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball celebrating Otumfuo as a “Pillar of Peace” on his 27th coronation anniversary in Kumasi, said: “To many of us outside Ghana, I dare say Otumfuo, in his own regal way, represents the face of Ghana.”
Deep respect
Acknowledging his deep respect for Otumfuo, the Olu said: “Even before my ascension, I have admired you from a distance, and today I am happy to honour and celebrate you at your right hand side. “I affirm you as a builder and guardian of peace, peace which is the result of deliberate leadership, and I must highlight your influence on stability within Ghana and beyond.”
Peace, the Olu noted, enables growth, investment, and dignity, and leads to favourable outcomes in communities. “As a fellow monarch, I must take this opportunity to present monarchy as a stabilising force in modern Africa, especially when the monarchy is God-led and people-focused,” he stated.
Ordained
He told Otumfuo: “The God who ordained it, and the ancestors who have upheld it, will all be watching without any pressure whatsoever, of course, to ensure that you do better than they did, and hand an enviable inheritance to those coming after you.” The throne comes with cultural authority, moral voice, and continuity, he said.
Solidarity
He affirmed the solidarity between the Warri Kingdom and the Asante Kingdom, and looked forward to more years of peace and prosperity in the Ashanti Kingdom, in Ghana, and across Africa.
