How Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III Referred to Lady Julia

The late Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom, carved appellations to reflect how special her sister-in-law, Lady Julia Osei Tutu was to her.

The wife of the Asantehene in a heartfelt tribute recalled fond memories of appellations from the late Asantehemaa.

“Your usual greetings to me was ‘Efiewura {Landlady}, Me Wura Yere {My Lord’s wife}, kurakura me sei ara {continue to cradle me}’.”

Another appellation she gave her sister-in-law was ‘Obi dom bie’.

Her Royal Majesty was regretful that the Asantehemaa didn’t live longer to enjoy her love and affection.

“Naana n’anso woantwɛn amma me ankɔ amma ammɛtoa akorɔkorɔ no so {Naana but you didn’t wait for me to return to continue pampering you}. Naahemaa, in your absence, who will shower me with these appellations and affirmations that made me feel so very special.”

She used the occasion to express her gratitude for the love and special place the Queen allotted to her.

“Kotokohemaa, your ‘Obi dom bie’ says thank you for your warmth and generosity of spirit. Naana, when I first arrived at Manhyia, your warmth and gentle presence was one of the enduring comfort of my new home. It was also a comfort and a joy that you, my dear sister-in-law, shared the same name as my beloved mother Konadu.”

The burial service took place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of the final burial rites on September 18, 2025.

Present at the event were President John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Eswatini Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia, former First Lady Nana Agyemang Konadu Rawlings, IGP Christian Yohunu, BoG Governor Dr Johnson Asiamah and others also joined.

The final day of the burial rites will later witness the laying to rest of the late Asantehemaa, with her ancestors at the royal mausoleum at Breman Abusuakruwa.

The rites commenced on Monday, September 15.

A key point to note is the institution of the restriction on outdoor movement effective 7 pm on September 18 to make way for the burial of Asantehemaa.

The Queen, who was the only remaining sibling of the Asantehene, passed away peacefully at her residence at the Manhyia Palace on August 7, 2025.

Story by Hajara Fuseini