During her brother's reign, Yaa Asantewa witnessed a series of events threatening the future of the Asante confederation, including the civil war from 1883 to 1888. When her brother died in 1894, she would use his rights as a Queen Mother to nominate her grandson “Ejisuhene" (chief). And when the latter was finally forced to go into exile in the Seychelles in 1896, accompanied by the king of Asante Prempeh IYaa Asantewaa became regent of the district Ejisu-Juaben. It was then that the British general Frederick Hodgson will demand that he be given the “Golden Stool”, symbol of the Asante nation.
This disrespectful demand will force members of Asante's government to meet in Kumasi to discuss the King's return. However, at the meeting there will be a difference of opinion on this comeback. Yaa Asantewaa, present at this predominantly male assembly, will stand up and address the assembly in these now famous terms: