Ernestina Fosu (L) invoked Otumfuo’s Ntam Kɛseɛ on Fosu family head (R)
After court proceedings at the Kumasi High Court on October 31, 2025, a scene unfolded outside the courtroom involving the family of the late Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.
Ernestina Fosu, the elder sister of Daddy Lumba, confronted the family head (Abusuapanin) Victor Kofi Owusu, insisting that investigations into her brother’s death must be completed before his final funeral rites, scheduled for December 6, 2025.
To make her demand impossible to ignore, Ernestina invoked the Otumfuo’s Great Oath, known in Twi as ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’.
‘He should dare and bury him on December 6’ – Lumba’s sister tells Abusuapanyin
For those unfamiliar with this traditional practice, the ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’ is one of the most sacred oaths in Asante custom. It is not a mere emotional outburst or dramatic act; it is a spiritual and legal tradition that carries authority within the Asante Kingdom.
What is the ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’?
The Otumfuo’s ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’, literally “the Great Oath of the Asantehene,” is considered the highest form of oath in Asante culture.
Invoking it automatically draws the attention and authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who becomes the ultimate arbiter in the matter.
This means that once the oath is invoked, the issue cannot be ignored, postponed, or resolved privately. The Asantehene, as custodian of Asante laws and traditions, is compelled to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Because of its weight, the oath is not something anyone can pronounce lightly. It is reserved for situations of serious wrongdoing, injustice, or disputes that threaten family or community harmony. Speaking it carelessly is considered an offense to the ancestors and the authority of the Golden Stool.
Why Ernestina invoked the ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’
By invoking the Ntam Kɛseɛ, Ernestina effectively stopped her family’s Abusuapanin from proceeding with the funeral.
In Asante custom, once the oath is spoken, all matters related to the dispute must be put on hold until the Asantehene settles the issue or delegates someone to do so.
In simple terms, it functions like a traditional court injunction, halting all actions until a hearing is held and the King’s decision is made.
Traditional implications
The Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II, speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz, explained that the invocation of the oath means the funeral cannot continue until the matter is heard and resolved through traditional channels.
“Ernestina’s ‘Ntam Kɛseɛ’ is more or less like a court injunction,” he said.
Tepamanhene explains the meaning and significance of invoking the great oath of the Asantehene#UnitedShowbiz pic.twitter.com/J8BFTIegqM
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 1, 2025
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