The Duamenefa Foundation is reeling from shocking and distorted spiritual claims of Bokor Dzotepe, a soothsayer of Dzodze Fiagbedu, in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, following what it describes as multiple and inconsistent accounts regarding his alleged involvement in the petition under investigation.
The Foundation is currently probing a petition submitted by Mr. KORBLA Ahiakonu, also of Dzodze Fiagbedu, who alleged that the Soothsayer, Mr. Dzodefe planted a spiritual charm (juju) on a palm tree. According to the petitioner, the incident is said to have resulted in the death of one Madam Vivordi, while another victim by the name Madam Ahiakonu, wife of the petitioner is currently in critical condition after allegedly consuming products from the said palm tree.
As part of its investigation, the Foundation revealed that in the petitioners’ account, divination conducted through oracle consultation allegedly pointed to the Soothsayer, Mr. Dzodefe as the person responsible for the incident. This claim forms a key aspect of the allegations being examined.
However, when the Duamenefa Foundation engaged Soothsayer Dzodefe, he reportedly gave multiple and shifting explanations regarding his knowledge of Afa divination. In earlier submissions, he stated that he had been initiated into the Afa occult while still in the womb of his mother, and therefore claimed he had no personal knowledge or formal understanding of Afa divination practices.
He further maintained that he was unfamiliar with the processes being referenced in the petition and could not interpret the codes used in such spiritual consultations.
Due to the complexity of the claims, the Foundation indicated that it invited individuals knowledgeable in Afa divination to help clarify the interpretation of the oracle findings. However, Dzodefe reportedly disagreed with or questioned the explanations provided, further deepening the uncertainty surrounding his account.
This development compelled the Foundation to intensify its investigation in an effort to uncover what it described as hidden or unclear aspects of the case. As part of this process, investigators reached out to Torgbi Atsu Dzesu III, the Director of TMPC, to provide background information on how he knows Soothsayer Dzodefe.
According to Torgbi Atsu Dzesu III, Soothsayer Dzodefe once sent a messenger to him requesting a licence to operate as a Torbokor (senior soothsayer), and that his application is currently being processed. He also stated that, based on his own assessment, Dzodefe is known to perform divination for clients and reportedly has a dedicated room in his house used for spiritual consultations.
However, in his interaction with the Duamenefa Foundation, Soothsayer Dzodefe allegedly denied having knowledge of these claims. When questioned by Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe about why he was giving different versions of his account, he reportedly explained that he was still learning and could not clearly identify his instructors.
He further stated that he learns by observing public divination sessions. Yet, when confronted with the account given by Torgbi Atsu Dzesu III, he again shifted his position, claiming that someone occasionally visits his house for divination activities which he observes and learns from.
These varying and inconsistent explanations have reportedly left the Duamenefa Foundation reeling thereby making it difficult for investigators to establish a clear and consistent narrative. This situation has also raised further questions among the public, with many asking how could someone apply for a licence in a field he did not understand, and how could a person be described as a senior practitioner without clear knowledge of the discipline. These are some of the concerns currently being raised.
During the interactions, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe also questioned Soothsayer Dzodefe, asking what he might be hiding that is leading to the provision of different accounts on the matter.
The Duamenefa Foundation further stated that it remains committed to thoroughly investigating the issue in order to get to the bottom of the matter and help save a life, given the seriousness of the allegations involving loss and critical illness.
The Foundation added that it will continue its investigations until all contradictions are clarified and the full truth is established regarding the case.
Public reaction within the affected communities has also been growing, with some residents calling for deeper scrutiny into spiritual practices linked to the incident. Others have urged caution, insisting that due process must be followed to avoid wrongful conclusions.
Meanwhile, some opinion leaders have emphasized the need for clearer regulation and understanding of traditional spiritual roles, noting that conflicting narratives such as those emerging in this case can easily create misunderstanding and tension in communities.
The Foundation has also indicated that it may seek further expert input from traditional authorities and practitioners familiar with Afa systems to help clarify remaining contradictions in the statements provided.
Investigators say the matter remains open and sensitive, and all parties involved will continue to be engaged as part of efforts to establish verified facts and ensure accountability where necessary.
Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe concluded that at this stage, the Duamenefa Foundation will refer the matter to traditional rulers for public arbitration in order to ensure a fair and culturally grounded resolution of the issue. He added that the main purpose of the Foundation’s involvement in the matter is to help save the life of Madam Ahiakonu, who is currently critical ill and to ensure that the truth is established in the interest of justice and peaceful coexistence
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze.
Edited by: Emmanuella Isabella Evortepe, UEW – Fafaa 100.3 Fm, Dzodze