Tanyigbe chieftaincy dispute: Akoto family condemns Adiko for defying court ruling
The protracted chieftaincy dispute in the Tanyigbe Traditional Area of the Volta Region has deepened, with the Akoto Royal Family accusing the Adiko Royal Family of openly defying a ruling by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs.
At a press briefing in Ho, the Akoto family expressed outrage over what it described as the “blatant disregard for the rule of law” by the Adiko side, following a 21 March 2025 judgment that declared the enstoolment of Mr Roland Adiko (Togbega Kodi Adiko VI) as null and void.
According to the family, despite the clear ruling affirming the rotational nature of the paramountcy between the Doku Dzehe and Kodi Ayefior stools, the Adiko faction has continued to act unlawfully.
They cited events of 18 and 19 April 2025, during which Roland Adiko was allegedly celebrated as paramount chief, received re-swearing of allegiance from some sub-chiefs, and even installed a new chief.
“These happenings not only amount to contempt for the Committee but also threaten the peace of the people of Tanyigbe,” the family stated.
The chieftaincy of Tanyigbe, settled about 95 years ago by Fiaga Togbe Kwami Ekpe Akoto IV, has long operated on a rotational system of succession between the Doku Dzehe stool of the Anyidoto clan and the Kodi Ayefior stool of the Kodivi clan.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs confirmed this rotational arrangement after years of litigation.
In its judgment, the Committee held that the Anyidoto clan, not the Kodivi clan, was entitled to present a candidate after the death of the late Fiaga Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, who ruled from 1951 until 2015.
The Akoto family explained that it was based on this principle that Togbe Etoi Kodzo II, of the Doku Dzehe stool, was enstooled in 2017.
The family warned that the continued defiance of the judgment could destabilise Tanyigbe, citing fears that recent attempts by Mr Adiko to install a rival “Sohefia” (warlord) in September could further inflame tensions.
“Tanyigbe already has a Sohefia who has been performing his duties. Why install a rival Sohefia?” they asked.
They stressed that such actions had stalled development projects, including roads, schools, water systems, and community centres.
They also dismissed as false the claim that the paramountcy is the sole preserve of the Adiko family, describing a book tendered by the respondents as “an absolute falsehood and a distortion of historical evidence.”
The Akoto family urged the Ho Municipal authorities, the Volta Regional Security Council, and peace-brokers to enforce the ruling of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and ensure compliance.
“We are peace-loving people. This matter has been conclusively determined by the Judicial Committee. Any act suggesting otherwise undermines the judiciary and the unity of Tanyigbe,” the family added.
They further appealed to all citizens to respect the ruling so the community could “return to the path of peace and development.”
