The Stool Father of the Adisre Chieftaincy Stool, Mr. Mathias Agbanyo Agbesinyale, has commended Torgbui Dzoku V for his role in securing a Traditional Council for the Dzodze Traditional Area, despite maintaining his opposition to him bearing the title of Paramount Chief.
Mr. Agbesinyale made the remarks during an appearance on the Duamenefa Programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM, in an interaction with Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe.
The discussion followed a recent decision by the National House of Chiefs to remove the name of Torgbui Dzoku V from the national register of chiefs, based on a petition submitted by the Adisre Royal Family.
During the programme, Mr. Ketaman noted that the chieftaincy dispute in the Dzodze Traditional Area has persisted for more than a century. He also observed that the secretary to Torgbui Dzoku V, Mr. Sylvanus Agbanyo, bear the same surname “Agbanyo” with the stool father, revealing the blood relationship between the two royal family, therefore the need for peaceful coexistence cannot be overemphasized.
Mr. Ketaman stressed the need for peace and restraint among all parties involved in the dispute, urging them to exercise patience as the matter is resolved. He cautioned that prolonged internal conflict often benefits outsiders at the expense of the community, underscoring the importance of unity in protecting the interests of Dzodze.
In response, Mr. Agbesinyale stated that while he does not support Torgbui Dzoku V’s claim to the Paramount Stool, he acknowledges and commends his significant contribution toward the establishment of the Dzodze Traditional Council. He noted that the achievement remains historic, regardless of the ongoing chieftaincy dispute.
“Even though he is not recognised as the Paramount Chief, Torgbui Dzoku V deserves commendation for his efforts in securing a Traditional Council for Dzodze,” he said, describing the development as a major milestone for the traditional area.
He explained that the establishment of the Traditional Council would strengthen traditional governance, promote development, and enhance the participation of communities in decision-making and cultural affairs.
The Stool Father further called on members of the Adisre Royal Family and the wider Dzodze community to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect.
He added that the contribution made by Torgbui Dzoku V demonstrates that meaningful community development is possible even without occupying the highest traditional office, and urged others to emulate such commitment to progress.
Mr. Agbesinyale also disclosed that, in line with statements from the legal team of Torgbui Dzoku V, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs is expected to appoint an Acting Paramount Chief for the Dzodze Traditional Area while the legal process continues.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to focus on the broader benefits of the Traditional Council, noting that it provides a structured platform for governance, cultural preservation, and development planning within the Dzodze Traditional Area.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze