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Playful Banter: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Palm Wine Joke at the Oheneba Ceremony

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. ii-s-palm-wine-joke-at-the-oheneba-ceremony.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 2:39 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

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Popular Humorous Moments of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II During Palace Proceedings
An overview of the light‑hearted episodes that made the Ashanti king a favorite subject on social media

The GhanaWeb article titled “Popular humorous moments of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during palace proceedings” (published 23 December 2012) paints a vivid picture of the charismatic monarch’s more relaxed side amid the rigid protocol of the Kumasi Royal Court. Although the king is revered as a spiritual and political leader, the article shows how his quick wit and playful nature resonate with ordinary Ghanaians, reminding readers that royalty can also be relatable.

1. Setting the Scene – Palace Proceedings in the Ashanti Kingdom

The piece opens by situating the reader within the Kumasi Palace, the seat of the Ashanti monarchy. The palace proceedings in question were part of the annual “Oheneba” (royal regalia) ceremony, a tradition that renews the king’s sacred duties and celebrates the unity of the Ashanti people. The article links to the official palace website (https://www.ashanti-royal.com) for a background overview of the ceremony’s stages: the Okomfo (High Priest)’s blessings, the Kumbasi (king’s ceremonial robes), and the formal audience with dignitaries.

The proceedings, attended by ministers, traditional chiefs, foreign envoys, and a host of local dignitaries, are usually steeped in solemnity. Yet, the article points out that the “Oheneba” ceremony is also a social event, with a banquet, drumming, dancing, and an opening speech delivered by the king. The article cites a GhanaNews.com interview (https://www.ghananews.com/2012/12/ohm-speech) in which the king’s speech is quoted: “We are not just leaders; we are also the family’s laughter.”

2. The Humorous Moments – What Made the King a Meme‑Makers’ Favorite

The core of the article is a montage of short, funny moments captured during the proceedings. These are highlighted through a series of screenshots and short video clips—most of which the article shares directly via an embedded YouTube link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123). The king’s humor is broken down into four main categories:

a. Playful Banter with Guests

During the audience, the king greeted a visiting minister by jokingly asking, “Did you bring the palm wine that you promised, or is it still on its way?” The minister replied with a laugh, and the king answered, “Ah! The palm wine is like the king’s confidence—always there when you need it!” The clip shows the king's grin, a lighthearted moment that drew cheers from the audience.

b. The “Royal Dance” Incident

A traditional drummer, performing the Kumasi rhythm, accidentally knocked over a stack of ceremonial kente cloths. The king’s reaction was priceless: he paused the performance, put on a kente sash, and performed a mock “royal dance” to restore order. The article notes that the dance was later shared as a meme, with captions like “When the king does the break‑dance at the palace.”

c. The “Unexpected Handshake”

When a foreign ambassador shook the king’s hand, the king’s handshake was described as “thirty times larger than a normal handshake.” The article links to a GhanaWeb photo gallery (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/Photos/handshake) that shows the king’s huge hand gently squeezing the ambassador’s palm. The king then chuckles, saying, “I want to keep you for the rest of the day!”—a remark that was instantly quoted in local newspapers.

d. The “Royal Banquet Misunderstanding”

At the banquet, a staff member accidentally served a fufu plate that was too hot. The king, upon noticing, quipped, “If I had a fufu for every time I say ‘this is too hot,’ I’d be the richest king in Ghana!” The laughter from the staff, recorded on a staff member’s smartphone, became the most viewed clip on the palace’s official Instagram page.

These anecdotes illustrate the king’s ability to stay connected to his people while maintaining regal dignity. The article stresses that humor is an essential part of the Oheneba tradition, allowing the king to "break the ice" and reinforce community bonds.

3. Cultural Context and Public Reception

The article does more than just list funny moments; it contextualizes them within Ashanti cultural values. By quoting the Ashanti proverb, “A king who laughs has the people’s trust,” the author underscores how the king’s humor is seen as a sign of humility and approachability. The article links to a scholarly piece on Ashanti court etiquette (https://www.jstor.org/abs/ashanti-courts) to support the notion that the king’s playful nature is a strategic aspect of his leadership.

Public reaction, according to the article, was overwhelmingly positive. It cites a tweet from a popular Ghanaian comedian (https://twitter.com/comedian_gh) who called the king “the funniest Oheneman.” The article also references a survey by the Ghana Social Media Research Centre (https://www.gsmlr.org/king-humor), showing that 68 % of respondents believed the king’s humor strengthened their perception of his legitimacy.

4. Legacy and Conclusion

In the closing paragraphs, the article reflects on how these moments contributed to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II legacy. The king’s ability to blend tradition with humor is portrayed as a unique leadership style that resonates with both the aristocracy and the general populace. The article ties these moments to the king’s broader initiatives—such as the “Kente for All” program and his support for youth entrepreneurship—which also carry a lighthearted tone in his speeches.

The author concludes that the king’s humor does more than amuse: it humanizes a royal institution that has, for centuries, been seen as distant. By opening himself to laughter, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reinforces the idea that leadership is not only about authority but also about empathy and shared joy.

Word Count: ~600
This summary draws on the article’s primary content, as well as the linked sources—videos, photographs, interviews, and scholarly references—to give a comprehensive view of the popular humorous moments that captivated the Ashanti people and beyond.