In a move to assert his authority and thwart what he describes as an attempt to undermine his leadership, the Paramount Chief of the Kome-Shime Traditional Area in the Anlo region, Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe VI, has taken legal action against the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, and 21 others. The chief is seeking a perpetual interlocutory injunction from the Denu High Court to prevent them from proceeding with the planned inaugural mini Hogbe Festival at Alakple, scheduled for October 26, 2024.
Central to this legal dispute is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, who has been invited as the special guest of honor at the festival. However, Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe VI vehemently opposes the event, arguing that it infringes on his rightful authority as the paramount chief of Kome-Shime.
The plaintiffs legal counsel, Richard Agbelengor, outlined in the writ that the actions of the defendants—particularly the Awadada of Anlo, Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, and the Chief of Alakple, Torgbui Amey Zegu II (the first and second respondents)—are part of a deliberate attempt to undermine Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloes leadership. These actions, the writ claims, are aimed at diminishing his influence over his traditional jurisdiction after numerous failed attempts to halt what the plaintiff described as “nefarious intentions.”
A Struggle for Control
At the heart of the dispute is the jurisdiction over Alakple, a town within the Kome-Shime Traditional Area, and the legitimacy of the second defendant, Torgbui Amey Zegu II, as its chief. According to Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe, the planning and organization of the Hogbe Festival should fall under his direct mandate as the paramount chief. However, he contends that a festival committee, assembled by the first and second defendants, has been pushing forward with preparations for the festival without his consent, further signaling what the plaintiff believes to be a challenge to his rightful authority.
The paramount chief further asserts that several months ago, the Awomefia of Anlo, Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, issued a letter to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, suggesting the reassignment of portions of the Kome-Shime Traditional Area to form a separate paramountcy. This, according to Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe, was done without any consultation or approval from him, despite the significant implications it holds for his authority.
Unauthorized Claim to Paramountcy?
The plaintiff argues that the second defendant, Torgbui Amey Zegu II, has acted upon the Awomefias proposal as if it were already sanctioned by law, positioning himself as the unauthorized Fiaga (Paramount Chief) of Kome-Shime. Despite repeated efforts by the plaintiff, including warning letters and direct communication with the relevant authorities, the defendants have persisted in organizing the festival and seemingly elevating the second defendant to a position of higher authority within the Kome-Shime Traditional Area.
Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe VI views this as a direct affront to his traditional sovereignty and a potential move to declare Torgbui Amey Zegu II as the new paramount chief of Kome-Shime—an act that he believes amounts to a royal coup.
Seeking Justice and Restoration of Authority
With the matter now before the Denu High Court, Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloe is seeking judicial intervention to put a halt to what he views as an infringement on his authority. He has called on the court to declare the defendants’ actions, including the signing of chieftaincy nomination forms by the first and second defendants, as unlawful usurpation of his administrative powers. Furthermore, he seeks to have the court issue an injunction to prevent the festival from proceeding and to protect his position as the rightful paramount chief of Kome-Shime.
The legal battle, which could have far-reaching consequences for the traditional authority structure in the Anlo region, underscores the deep tensions within the chieftaincy institution. Torgbui Nyaho-Tamekloes case highlights the complexities of managing traditional roles and jurisdictions in a region where historical ties and modern political interests often intertwine.
As the court prepares to deliberate on the matter, the outcome could redefine the power dynamics within the Kome-Shime Traditional Area and set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future.
