Born Nana Barima Kwaku Duah on May 6, 1950, Osei Tutu II assumed the role of the 16th Asantehene, officially installed on April 26, 1999. Bearing the name Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, he follows in direct lineage from the 17th-century Ashanti Empire founder, Otumfuo Osei Tutu I.