Togbe Etoi Kodzo II, celebrating his 9th anniversary of enstoolment as Fiaga of Tanyigbe, addressed the ongoing chieftaincy dispute and the recent elevation of the Tanyigbe Traditional Council. The anniversary marks nearly a decade since his controversial enstoolment following the death of Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, amidst a complex legal battle over succession that has now reached the National House of Chiefs.
Background to the Dispute
The current leadership vacuum and legal challenges stem from the period following the death of the previous Fiaga, Togbe Kwasi Adiko V. In November 2015, the Royal Family, through their solicitors, assured support for the late Fiaga’s funeral while signaling their expectation for a reciprocal enstoolment of their chosen candidate, asserting it was their turn.
Rumors and tensions escalated after the funeral in April 2017. Togbe Etoi Kodzo II himself expressed significant fear and isolation during this period, having been informed by a diaspora citizen in January 2016 that Kingmakers had settled on three Akoto sons, with himself leading the selection.
Controversial Enstoolment and Legal Challenges
The enstoolment of Togbe Etoi Kodzo II occurred on April 29, 2017, described as an event where he was captured. This was followed by another enstoolment two months later, prompting the matter to be brought to the attention of the government.
A document suggesting a government directive for more chiefs to qualify Tanyigbe for a Traditional Council was later identified by the current leadership as a creation of a specific clique within the community. This led to a surge in daily enstoolments of new chiefs.
The dispute further complicated as the Volta Region House of Chiefs (VRHC) began hearing a petition. The subsequent carving out of the Oti Region from Volta necessitated the formation of a new House of Chiefs, leading to a restart of the case with a new panel.
Current Status and Community Development
In March 2025, the Volta Region House of Chiefs ruled in favor of the Akoto House, confirming their right to the Tanyigbe Paramountcy. However, this decision has been appealed and is currently under hearing at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi.
The Tanyigbe Traditional Council was established on December 17, 2024, alongside others. Despite its formation, the Council is not yet functional as its members have not been sworn in. Togbe Etoi Kodzo II extended gratitude to the Chieftaincy Ministry and the VRHC for this significant elevation.
He also acknowledged the generosity of Tanyigbe citizens, both locally and in the diaspora, including an individual with the UN who covered the Council Registration fee. Another non-resident household was instrumental in the construction and commissioning of a Community-based Health Planning System (CHPS) Compound, with other face-lifting projects also underway.
Call for Unity and Peaceful Resolution
Togbe Etoi Kodzo II addressed the community’s curiosity about the Royal House’s calm demeanor amidst antagonistic displays and threats, especially after their VRHC victory. He cited advice from their solicitors, Ayine & Co, emphasizing that these challenges are temporary and stressing the need for all Tanyigbe citizens to unite for peaceful development.
The enstoolment anniversary was marked by a prayer for a timely conclusion to the appeal at the National House of Chiefs. The goal is for all factions to reconcile and for the proclaimed members of the Tanyigbe Traditional Council to be sworn in and gazetted by the State.
Looking Ahead
The leadership expressed confidence in achieving a resolution soon, signaling proximity to integration with neighboring NORDU towns and the Asogli traditional area. The anniversary serves as a moment to thank the citizens for their patience and to look forward to a unified future for Tanyigbe.
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