Fetish Priest’s Slap at Interpreter Stuns Crowd at Asantehemaa’s Funeral
A shocking scene briefly disrupted the grandeur of the late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s funeral on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, when a fetish priest suddenly slapped his interpreter in front of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The dramatic moment unfolded after the priest performed a ritual dance and began chanting incantations to honor the King. An interpreter was assigned to translate the priest’s gestures and words, a process that initially drew smiles from the Asantehene. But to the surprise of many, the priest abruptly halted the ritual, accusing the interpreter of an inaccurate translation, before striking him across the face.
The stunned crowd watched as the shaken interpreter quickly corrected his words, which seemed to appease the priest. The ritual then resumed, with the priest offering prayers for the Asantehene and performing symbolic rites using a fly whisk.
The incident added unexpected drama to what has otherwise been a dignified and deeply cultural farewell to the Queen Mother. Thousands of mourners, including royals, chiefs, queen mothers, statesmen, and foreign delegations, have gathered at the Manhyia Palace to celebrate her life and legacy. Traditional music, colorful processions, and spiritual ceremonies have showcased the cultural pride of Asanteman throughout the funeral period.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III is being remembered as a towering mother figure and custodian of Ashanti traditions, and her final rites have become one of the most significant cultural events in recent memory.
