As the monarch of Asante from 1701 through 1717, Osei Tutu is widely regarded as one of the most influential rulers in the country’s history. He successfully completed the lengthy process of nation-building started by Twum and Antwi, Asante’s first two rulers.Osei Tutu provided the Asante with a capital, a constitution, a military machine that ensured a lengthy period of political stability, and a unifying element in the form of the Golden Stool.
His companion and lieutenant, Okomfo Anokye, was instrumental in helping him accomplish these goals. The fact that Osei Tutu’s passing is commemorated in the Asante great oath, known as memeneda kromante, is a testament to both his brilliance and the role he played in the growth of the Asante country. Tradition from the early Asante people describes Osei Tutu’s sojourn in Denkyira and later in Akwapim. It was in Akwapim that he met and became friends with Okomfo Anokye, a native of Awukugua.
Okomfo Anokye went on to become Osei Tutu’s most trusted counselor and lieutenant. Tradition from the early Asante people describes Osei Tutu. Not only did Osei Tutu’s stay in Denkyira and Akwamu give him an introduction to the politics of the two great powers of the day, but it also drove home for him the significance of the Atlantic trade in firearms down the coast.
After the passing of his uncle, Obiri Yeboa, Osei Tutu, with the assistance and support of Okomfo Anokye, returned to Asante and made significant contributions to the growth of Asante in five main ways: he completed the union of Akan states that were within a twenty-five mile radius of Kumasi; he provided the Asante union with a new capital, Kumasi; he introduced a new military organization; and he expanded the boundaries of Asante.
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