Asantes were among the group of Akans that settled in Adanse area from their migration
The early ancestors of the Asantes lived in clans. The clans were the following: Oyoko, Biretuo, Aduana, Asona, Asene, Ekuona, Agona and Asakyiri. People belonging to a clan claimed to be the children of one woman, so they were brothers and sisters.
Since it was taboo for brothers and sisters to marry each other, one has to go to another clan for a partner, when one is in need of a partner. This system of intermarriage resulted in the creation of alliances among clans, therefore one clan had to go to the aid of another when the latter was attacked because nobody would want to see his children taken into captivity.
When the population increased, they started to move away from Adanse area to build new townships. This was in the 15th century.
Large towns with historical importance in those days were: Juaben (Dwaben), Asumegya (Asubinagya), Kokofu, Nsuta, Mampong, Bekwai, Offinso, and Kwaman (Kumase). There were smaller towns like Ejisu (Edweso), Agona, Kaase, Buokrom, and Tafo which were also of historical importance
As time went on, the States started waging wars with one another on minor provocations. Therefore, they could not stand any external attacks because of disunity. When tracing the history of Asante Kingdom, powerful Chiefs like Nana Twum, Nana Antwi, Nana Kobia Amanfi, Nana Oti Akenten, Nana Obiri Yeboah were not ruling over the whole Asante Nation.
They were rulers of their Oyoko Clan.
Nana Twum and Nana Antwi ruled over the clan at Kokofu.
Nana Kobia Amanfi ruled over them at Asumegya.
Nana Oti Akenten and Nana Obiri Yeboah ruled over them when they settled at Kwaman which later became Kumasi.
They were all Oyoko Chiefs who ruled different States. There were strong connections between these Chiefs and the Chiefs of Kokofu, Nsuta, Dwaben and Bekwai because they were all of the Oyoko clan and descended from the same ancestors. Love prevailed among these States and the other Asante clan States like Mampong, Kumawu, Offinso etc
But with time petty wars developed among the states. These inter-state wars were at their peak during the reign of Nana Obiri Yeboah. The wars paved the way for their opponents from other tribes to conquer them.
The result was that the Asante States became very weak. Finally, the Asante States were conquered by the Denkyira state, so they served Denkyira and paid regular tribute to her. The tribute was in the form of firewood, plantain fibre and red clay.
It was at this juncture that Nana Obiri Yeboah, Chief of Kwaman had a dream. Nana Obiri Yeboah had a dream that the States should come together to form a united front, fight and free themselves from bondage.
End of Part 1.
Author: Nana Osei Kwadwo in his book, The Outline of Asante History.
Nicely put together by: The Asante Nation.
