The Asantehene is the ruler of the Ashanti people. The Asantehene is crowned on the Golden Stool. The Asantehene also holds the title of Kumasihene, ruler of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region. The current Asantehene is Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, born Nana Kwaku Dua. He was one of seven descendants who were eligible for the position. During the period between the death of an Asantehene and the election of a successor, the Mamponghene, the second most powerful ruler, acts as regent Asantehene. This was only changed under the special circumstances of Civil War in the late nineteenth century when the Kwasafomanhyiamu, or governing council itself ruled as regent.
The succession is decided by a series of councils of local notables and other royal family members.