The Judicial Committee of the Volta Region House of Chiefs has ruled in favor of Togbe Etoe Kodzo, affirming his enstoolment as the legitimate Paramount Chief (Fiaga) of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area.
The ruling invalidates the parallel enstoolment of Roland Kofi Adiko, also known as Togbe Kofi Adiko VI, declaring it null and void.
The Tanyigbe Paramountcy has traditionally rotated between two clans—Doku Dzehe/Anyidoto and Kodivi clans. However, following the demise of Togbe Kwasi Adiko V in 2015, both clans installed separate chiefs, leading to a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
The Akoto family of the Doku Dzehe/Anyidoto clan challenged the enstoolment of Roland Kofi Adiko from the Kodivi clan, arguing that it violated the customary rotational system of succession.
The Judicial Committee, relying on historical records, traditional evidence, witness testimonies, and official documents, determined that:
- The Tanyigbe Paramountcy is not exclusive to the Adiko (Kodivi) clan but rotates between Doku Dzehe/Anyidoto and Kodivi clans.
- The Akotos of the Doku Dzehe/Anyidoto clan have a rightful claim to the stool, having previously held paramount positions.
- The rotation system required the Anyidoto clan to present a candidate after Togbe Kwasi Adiko V’s passing, meaning Roland Kofi Adiko was ineligible for enstoolment.
- The nomination and installation of Roland Kofi Adiko as Paramount Chief was unlawful, warranting its cancellation.
Thus, the Committee validated Togbe Etoe Kodzo’s enstoolment as the rightful Fiaga of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area.
The Committee awarded GHC20,000 in damages to the petitioners, acknowledging the case’s prolonged nature since 2017. The initial demand for GHC100,000 was reduced, considering the close ties between the disputing families.
The House of Chiefs urged both parties to maintain peace, stressing that the judgment should not lead to further conflict but rather promote unity in the Tanyigbe Traditional Area.
The petitioners were represented by Mr. Gideon Abotsi, holding brief for Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, while the respondents were represented by Mr. Chris Koka and Mr. Gerson Gunu on behalf of Madam Ivy Adiko.
The ruling was delivered by a panel consisting of:
- Togbe Gbordzor III of Hugo
- Togbega Sei II of Botoku
- Togbe Adrakpanya VI of Afife
- Mr. Cephas Motey, Counsel for the Regional House of Chiefs
This judgment brings an end to the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, solidifying the rightful traditional leadership in Tanyigbe.
