The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, as both the spiritual mother of Asanteman and one of his greatest pillars of strength.

In a deeply emotional tribute read on his behalf by business leader Dr. Sam Jonah, the Asantehene said the passing of his elder sister had left “an emptiness in my heart and in the soul of Asanteman.”

“It is not easy for me, as king, to put into words the depth of my grief. For the nation has lost a mother, and I have lost not only a sister but also one of my greatest pillars of strength,” he said.

He described Nana Konadu Yiadom III as more than a queen in title, noting that her calm and measured presence held together the family, lineage, and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom.

“She was truly the mother of the kingdom, the one whose presence held together the delicate threads of our family and our heritage,” he said.

Reflecting on their bond before his ascension to the throne, the Asantehene recalled her role in preparing him for leadership.

“Before the weight of the Golden Stool was placed upon me, she had already carried the weight of sisterhood, counsel, and love. She guided me with a steady hand as an elder, preparing me in ways I did not fully understand until destiny placed the Golden Stool upon me.”