Togbe Etoi Kodzo II, representing the Akoto House, states that the Volta Region House of Chiefs (VRHC) ruled in March 2025 that his house is the rightful winner of the Tanyigbe Paramountcy. This ruling declared Akoto House's undisputed turn to nominate the Tanyigbe Fiaga, the paramount chief. However, the decision now faces an appeal at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, where hearings have commenced.
The dispute traces back to November 2015, following the death of Tanyigbe Fiaga Togbe Kwasi Adiko V. Togbe Etoi Kodzo II's family, through their solicitors K. Bosompen & Co, formally requested reciprocity in the impending Fiaga enstoolment after supporting the late chief’s burial. This claim was based on their belief it was their indisputable turn to present the next paramount chief.
This prolonged chieftaincy conflict highlights the complexities within Ghana's traditional governance system and its potential impact on local development. The carving out of the Oti Region from Volta Region created a new House of Chiefs, which necessitated restarting the case before a new panel. Such administrative changes often create delays and add layers of bureaucracy to traditional disputes.
Togbe Etoi Kodzo II referenced a document, later deemed a creation by a local clique, that implied the government requested more chiefs for Tanyigbe to qualify for a Traditional Council. This led to numerous installations of new chiefs. He confirmed the Chieftaincy Ministry and the Volta Region House of Chiefs have played significant roles in elevating Tanyigbe to Council status.
Despite the Tanyigbe Traditional Council being established on December 17, 2024, it remains non-functional. None of its members have been sworn in due to the ongoing legal challenge. The resolution of the appeal at the National House of Chiefs is critical for the council to begin its operations and for members to be gazetted by the State.
The current impasse means that important traditional governance structures cannot fully operate. This affects local administration and the implementation of development projects in Tanyigbe. For example, community members, including those in the diaspora, financially supported the Council Registration fee and the complex Community-based Health Planning System (CHPS) Compound construction.
Togbe Etoi Kodzo II expressed hope for a timely conclusion to the appeal. He emphasised the need for unity in Tanyigbe to foster peaceful development once the dispute is resolved. The community awaits the decision from the National House of Chiefs, which will determine the next steps for formalising the paramountcy and operationalising the Traditional Council.