Otumfuo’s Linguist Baffour Kantankrakye Sends Strong Warning After Igbo King Showdown
- Otumfuo’s linguist (kyeame), Baffour Kantankrakye, has spoken for the first time after preventing the Igbo King from greeting the Asantehene
- In a new video, he warned that anyone who flouts protocol and rules during the Asantehemaa's funeral would face consequences
- Otumfuo's linguist also encouraged all residents of Kumasi to remain indoors so that Asantehemaa's burial could proceed smoothly
- In an interview with YEN.com.gh, blogger Chris Kofi Osei shared his thoughts on the warning issued by Otumfuo's linguist following his clash with the Igbo King
Otumfuo’s linguist (kyeame), Baffour Kantankrakye, has spoken up for the first time after he prevented the Igbo King in Ghana from greeting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Source: TikTok
Social media went abuzz on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after the Igbo King in Ghana, Eze Chuckwudi Jude Ihenetu, was embarrassed at Manhyia Palace.
The controversial Nigerian businessman showed up at Manhyia Palace to mourn with the Ashanti Kingdom following the death of the Asantehemaa.
In a trending video, he was seen approaching Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to greet him with his cap in hand.
Otumfuo’s linguist, who was directing affairs, stopped him from shaking the Asante monarch’s hand as other people had done.
The video of the incident sparked conversations on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing joy over the linguist’s firm handling of protocol at the funeral.
The TikTok video of Otumfuo’s linguist and the Igbo King is below.
Otumfuo’s linguist speaks after Igbo King incident
In a new video seen by YEN.com.gh, Baffour Kantankrakye broke his silence following the trending incident with the Igbo King.
He warned that following traditions and protocol is important and said anyone who violates rules at the funeral would be dealt with accordingly.
“We humbly plead that when you come to the funeral, you follow all instructions so everything can proceed smoothly. Otumfuo is interested in nothing but peace and progress, we are not interested in fighting or arguments.” he said.
The linguist added that he hoped that attendees at the final day of the Asantehemaa’s funeral would adhere to the rules to keep everything moving smoothly.
“So when you come, don't go where you're not supposed to be. When you're done, you leave quietly. Let no one come here with evil intentions, we have enforcers around and if you flout the rules, you would not be forgiven.” he added.
Baffour Kantankrakyi also warned that all residents must adhere to the curfew placed upon Kumasi and be indoors by the evening to ensure the Asantehemaa’s burial rites are not interrupted.
The TikTok video of Otumfuo’s linguist speaking is below.
Social media users hailed Otumfuo's linguist in the comment section of the video, describing him as a strict man who upholds tradition no matter the cost.
Source: Instagram
Blogger addresses Otumfuo's kyeame's warning
Speaking with YEN.com.gh, blogger Chris Kofi Osei shared his thoughts on the warning issued by Otumfuo's linguist following his clash with the Igbo King.
He said Baffour Kantankyrakye's warning was a step in the right direction since respecting customs and traditions must always be held paramount.
"Traditions must be respected no matter what, especially during the solemn rites of people who are of the status of the late Asantehemaa. Many lose sight of the fact that the traditions of Ghana are sacred and must not be easily forgotten just because we are in mourning. Baffour Kantankraye's reminder of the importance of respecting protocol is a step in the right direction," he said.
Igbo King looks furious at Manhyia
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that the Igbo King looked furious at Manhyia Palace following his confrontation with the Otumfuo's linguist.
In a new video, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu was seen looking visibly upset after the embarrassing moment, during which the linguist prevented him from greeting the Asantehene.
The video of the Igbo King's downcase demeanour stirred mixed reactions online, with some social media users calling for him to be treated fairly while others celebrated the actions of Baffour Kantankrakye.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
