The Akoto Royal Family of the Doku Dzehe stool, rightful heirs to the Tanyigbe paramountcy, have issued a fervent plea for peace and adherence to the rule of law in the wake of a protracted chieftaincy dispute. In a press conference held on September 14, 2025, the family condemned the Adiko family’s persistent defiance of a March 2025 ruling by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, which affirmed the rotational nature of the Tanyigbe paramountcy and declared Togbe Etoi Kodzo II, installed by the Anyidoto clan (Doku Dzehe stool), as the legitimate paramount chief. The Adiko family’s actions, including the installation and continued recognition of Roland Adiko as paramount chief, are seen as a blatant disregard for judicial authority and a threat to the peace and unity of Tanyigbe. The Akoto family emphasized the historical precedent of rotation between the Anyidoto and Kodivi clans, a tradition upheld for nearly two centuries and judicially affirmed. Their call for respect of the ruling underscores the critical need for stability and adherence to established customs for the advancement of Tanyigbe.
The heart of the conflict lies in the interpretation of succession to the Tanyigbe stool. The Akoto family asserts the long-standing tradition of rotation, a principle seemingly validated by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. Following the death of Togbe Kwasi Adiko V in 2015, after a reign spanning over six decades, the Anyidoto clan, in accordance with the rotational system, installed Togbe Etoi Kodzo II in April 2017. However, the same day witnessed a parallel installation of Roland Kofi Adiko, son of the deceased chief, thereby creating a duality of claimants and igniting the current dispute. This contested succession has plunged Tanyigbe into a state of uncertainty and hindered its development. The Akoto family’s emphasis on the rotational system underscores their commitment to preserving tradition and ensuring a peaceful transition of power. Their appeal to the community and relevant authorities highlights the urgency of resolving the dispute and upholding the rule of law.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs, acting as the arbiter in this chieftaincy dispute, delivered its verdict in March 2025. Their ruling unequivocally declared Roland Adiko’s enstoolment null and void, reaffirming the customary rotational system and validating the legitimacy of Togbe Etoi Kodzo II as the paramount chief. Despite this clear legal pronouncement, the Adiko family has continued to defy the ruling, organizing ceremonies recognizing Roland Adiko as paramount chief and even attempting to install a rival Sohefia. These actions, the Akoto family argues, amount to contempt of court and represent a grave threat to the stability of Tanyigbe. Their insistence on upholding the ruling of the House of Chiefs emphasizes their commitment to the legal process and the importance of respecting judicial authority.
The Akoto family has expressed profound concern about the ramifications of the prolonged chieftaincy dispute. They have pointed to stalled development projects – roads, schools, water systems, and community centers – as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict. They accuse “self-centered individuals” of prioritizing personal ambitions over the collective welfare of Tanyigbe and have appealed to the Ho Municipal Assembly and the Volta Regional Security Council to intervene and prevent further disorder. Their plea underscores the detrimental impact of unresolved chieftaincy disputes on community development and the urgent need for intervention to restore stability and allow progress to resume.
Beyond the immediate consequences of stalled development, the Akoto family has warned of a deeper erosion of trust and unity within Tanyigbe. They have expressed concern about the divisive nature of the dispute and its potential to fracture the social fabric of the community. Their appeal to respected mediators, including retired military officers, reflects their desire for a peaceful resolution and their belief in the importance of dialogue and reconciliation. The family’s call for unity echoes their commitment to the overall well-being of Tanyigbe and their understanding that true progress can only be achieved through collective effort and mutual respect.
The Akoto Royal Family’s press conference serves as a powerful call for peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law in Tanyigbe. They have emphasized the importance of upholding tradition, respecting the ruling of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, and prioritizing the collective good of the community over individual ambitions. Their commitment to a peaceful resolution and their plea for intervention from relevant authorities reflect their deep concern for the future of Tanyigbe and their unwavering belief in the power of unity and justice. Their closing statement, “We will continue to fight for justice, peace, and unity in Tanyigbe… The rule of law must be upheld, and those who disregard it must face the consequences,” encapsulates their determination to pursue a just and lasting resolution to the chieftaincy dispute and to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for their community.
