Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s Cryptic Farewell to Lady Julia

The Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, bid a cryptic farewell to Lady Julia, her sister-in-law before her passing.

This was when the wife of the Asantehene had reached out to her via phone to inform her about her trip abroad with her children.

“When the children and I called on you recently, to inform you that we were traveling, you were adamant that I come with them again the following day to say good bye in person,” Lady Julia shared in her tribute read by Madam Ama Bawua.

Unknown to her, that meeting would be the last the family would ever have with her.

“Little did I know that it was your final farewell to us.”

She recalled fond memories of appellations the late Asantehemaa often showered on her and wondered why she didn’t live a little longer.

“Your usual greetings to me was ‘Efiewura {Landlady}, Me Wura Yere {My Lord’s wife}, kurakura me sei ara {continue to cradle me}’. Naana n’anso woantwɛn amma me ankɔ amma ammɛ toa 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.”

Lady Julia was however full of gratitude for the warmth and love the late Asantehemaa showed her upon joining the royal family after her marriage to the Asantehene.

“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.

“Together with your dear mother and my most cherished mother-in-law, Nana Afia Kobo Serwaa Ampem II, you both made me feel safe and welcome. This warmth between us persisted as you assumed the reins of Queen of our beloved Asante Kingdom.”

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