A developing dispute involving a traditional shrine has sparked widespread public discussion following conflicting accounts reportedly given by representatives of the shrine. The matter has attracted the attention of the Duamenefa Foundation, which says it is actively investigating the case to establish the facts and help maintain peace among the parties involved.
According to reports, the Foundation is currently handling a petition from Agortime Ziope in the Volta Region concerning allegations that some family members set a house on fire, an incident said to have resulted in spiritual consequences after a deity was invoked at Afife in Agamefe. The deity involved, Nyigbla, is traditionally worshipped within the area, and the petition claims that the invocation allegedly led to the deaths of some individuals connected to the dispute.
The petition further states that after consultations with oracles, certain members of the family were led to believe they were responsible for the incident. As a result, they reportedly visited the shrine at Afife to seek spiritual guidance and resolution. However, the family alleged that during the process, the traditional priest and some elders demanded that a human being be surrendered into servitude as part of the settlement a condition the family rejected, prompting them to seek external intervention.
Following the petition, the Duamenefa Foundation commenced investigations and initially engaged the traditional authorities at Afife to hear their side of the story. During the first engagement, the shrine’s secretary reportedly explained that the matter had been handled according to traditional procedures. He stated that to lessen the burden on the family, they had only been asked to provide two bottles of alcohol as part of rites meant to pacify the deity and facilitate the release of the bodies for burial, after which further traditional steps could be discussed.
However, during a follow-up engagement between the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, and the shrine’s secretary, a different explanation was reportedly given, creating uncertainty surrounding the matter. According to the revised account, the shrine is now requesting that the family come forward so consultations can be made with the Nyigbla deity, after which the deity’s direction would determine the next course of action.
The apparent change in narrative has generated significant public debate, with some members of the public questioning the consistency of the statements being issued, while others have called for patience until investigations are completed.
The Duamenefa Foundation noted that inconsistencies in accounts are not unusual in complex family and traditional disputes, particularly where spiritual beliefs and communal interests are involved. The Foundation stressed the need for careful documentation and continuous engagement with all parties to ensure that the truth is established fairly.
It also indicated that similar disputes in other communities have often worsened due to miscommunication and changing accounts, underscoring the importance of transparency and open dialogue throughout mediation processes.
Additionally, the Foundation cautioned that disputes involving traditional rites and spiritual allegations require delicate handling to prevent tensions from escalating within communities. It urged all stakeholders including family members, traditional leaders, and opinion leaders to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation in the interest of peace and lasting resolution.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to conducting an impartial investigation and assured the public that all parties involved would be given a fair hearing.
The Duamenefa Foundation has therefore appealed to the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze