The burial rites for the late Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, have started with thousands of people from all walks of life trooping to the Ashanti Regional town to mourn.

The royal farewell scheduled from June 6 to 9 will be climaxed on Monday with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honouring the final rites.

The burial rites known in Akan as 'Doteyie' is a period of mourning as people clad in black and red participate in several traditional and cultural activities.

Amid drumming and dancing, traditional priests, in their sacred regalia, lead ancient rituals to honour the passing of the paramount chief.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was born Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie on December 31, 1939.

He ascended the Asante Mampong throne on August 25, 1996, and became the 28th occupant of the Silver Stool and Krontihene of Asanteman.

He passed away in April 2025 at the age of 85.

Daasebre's reign saw the successful resolution of chieftaincy disputes in Mampong, and he was instrumental in maintaining peace and driving development in the Asante Kingdom.

He was a strong advocate against illegal mining, ensuring that g'alamsey' did not find its roots in Asante Mampong.

As an academic and administrator, he served as the Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from 1991 until his retirement in 2000, after 28 years of service.