Andre Ayew Manhandled by Otumfuo’s ‘Bodyguard’ at Dr Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru’s Burial

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Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew experienced an awkward moment at the state burial of Dr Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Lumina
He joined mourners at the State House to bid farewell to the two national heroes who perished in the helicopter crash
The 35-year-old is currently in Ghana, pushing to finalise a new club deal before the transfer window shuts

What was meant to be a solemn day of respect for two fallen national figures took an unexpected turn when Andre Ayew found himself at the centre of an uncomfortable scene.

On Sunday, August 10, 2025, mourners gathered at the forecourt of the State House to pay their last respects to Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Alhaji Muniru Lumina, Deputy Director General for National Security.

Andre Ayew, Seidu Mbah, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru Lumina. — Andre Ayew manhandled by Otumfuo’s ‘bodyguard’ at Dr Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru’s burial. Photo credit: Parliament of Ghana/Facebook and @eddie_wrt/X.
Source: Twitter

Both men, practising Muslims, were among eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Obuasi on August 6.

Dr Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru given state burial

Their remains were brought to the State House, where Islamic Janazah prayers were performed before they were entrusted to Allah.

Military personnel then escorted the coffins to Burma Camp’s cemetery for burial.

The ceremony was attended by President John Mahama, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, senior government officials, and family members, as well as sympathisers.

The atmosphere was heavy with grief but also filled with honour for the two men who died in service to the nation.

National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru Lumina, Parliament of Ghana. — National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu leads Janazah prayers at the state burial of Dr Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Lumina. Photo credit: Parliament of Ghana.
Source: Facebook

Andre Ayew ‘manhandled’ by Otumfuo’s bodyguard

Among the mourners was former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew, himself a devout Muslim, who came to pay his respects.

However, as he arrived, an incident caught on camera drew attention away from the day’s solemnity.

In a video that has since spread across social media, Seidu Mbah, a self-proclaimed bodyguard of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was seen gripping Ayew’s arm, seemingly to direct him.

Watch the video:

The footage sparked a wave of criticism:

@_ghanaprince wrote:

“Which kind of by-force bodyguard job be this?”

@Sika1135 expressed anger:

“That guy be some way waaa! Wai he dey pull our captain like dat😡😡😡😡😡😡😡”

@Elikem_official called it out plainly:

“Total disrespect to Ayew.”

@ClydeMania tried to find reason:

“I think he was passing the wrong way.”

@Nanaezze summed it up with humour:

“By force bodyguardism.”

Meanwhile, the remaining six from the helicopter crash will be given a state burial on August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square, according to a release from the Presidency.

Resurfaced photo shows Dr Murtala Muhammed with ex-Chelsea star

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted how a resurfaced photo of the late Dr Murtala Muhammed with a former Chelsea star in London stirred emotional reactions online.