The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is the King of the Ashanti Kingdom
A broadcast journalist of Otec FM and a cultural activist, known to be well-versed in Akan traditions and culture, has explained why it is incorrect to say “Nana Otumfuo” when referring to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to him, this is a common mistake people often make.
He explained that both “Nana” and “Otumfuo” are respectful titles, but a king traditionally has three distinct names.
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Speaking on Otec FM, he explained how royal names are structured, stating that a king has three names: the name given at birth, his stool name, and his title, which reflects his role and rank.
“When we say a king has three names, it includes the name given to him at birth by his mother, the stool name, and the name (title) given to him in his kingship. We don’t say Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu because it’s wrong,” he said in Twi on Otec FM.
The historian and journalist added that the title “Otumfuo” in Asante tradition stands on its own and represents the pinnacle of chieftaincy.
Therefore, he added, no other titles or names should be added to it.
He added, however, that tradition allows a saying like “Otumfuo nana ne me,” which means in English, “I am Otumfuo’s grandchild,” where the “Nana” refers to the speaker, not to Otumfuo.
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“Otumfuo stands on its own, and therefore, you cannot add Nana to the Otumfuo. You can, however, say ‘Otumfuo nana ne me’ (to wit, in English, it means I’m Otumfuo’s grandchild), which is the right thing. The Otumfuo is the pinnacle of chieftaincy known in Asanteman, and so, other names cannot be added to it,” he added.
Watch the video below:
@tkmediagh Why you cant say Nana Otumfuo explained
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