Prempeh I

Otumfuo Nana Prempeh I was the 13th king of the Asante, reigning from 26 March 1888. He refused British demands to accept a protectorate, and in 1896 the British deposed him and exiled him to the Seychelles, where he spent 28 years before returning home in 1924.

Early life and accession

He was born on 18 December 1870 as Prince Kwaku Dua III Asamu. His mother, Nana Yaa Akyaa, was Queen Mother of Asante from 1880 to 1917 and used political alliances to secure the Golden Stool for him. He was enthroned in 1888, after a civil war, with the name Kwaku Dua III.

Resisting Britain

He repeatedly rejected British offers of "protection" and campaigned to defend Asante sovereignty. The British responded with an expedition, citing his failure to pay an indemnity. In December 1895 a force under Robert Baden-Powell left Cape Coast and reached Kumasi in January 1896. Fearing reprisals, Prempeh told his people not to resist. He was arrested and deposed, the Asante kingdom was dissolved, and a British Resident and a fort were placed in Kumasi.

Exile and return

Prempeh, his mother and other Asante leaders were exiled, eventually to the Seychelles, in 1896. Their removal and the British demand for the Golden Stool led to the 1900 war led by Yaa Asantewaa. He was allowed to return in 1924, but the British recognised him only as Kumasihene, ruler of Kumasi, not Asantehene. He later became Chief Scout of the Gold Coast.

Death

He died on 12 May 1931. His nephew Prempeh II succeeded him and in 1935 won back the title of Asantehene.