The Divisional Chief of Netsikorpe, Torgbui Hayibor II, has petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation in Dzodze, seeking urgent intervention over the alleged installation of a deity at the private residence of a resident, Madam Janet Egbe.
In the petition addressed to the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Torgbui Hayibor II expressed concern about what he described as a development that has generated apprehension among some residents of Netsikorpe.
According to the Divisional Chief, he received information that Madam Janet Egbe had invited a fetish priest to install a deity at her residence within the community.
He said the nature and purpose of the deity raised concerns, particularly over its alleged association with witchcraft-related spiritual practices.
Torgbui Hayibor II explained that, in his capacity as the Divisional Chief of Netsikorpe and as the traditional leader responsible for the peace, security, cultural integrity and general welfare of his people, he considered it necessary to establish the nature and purpose of the alleged deity.
The Divisional Chief said he initially requested the presence of Madam Janet Egbe and the priest involved so that he could engage them and obtain clarification on the matter.
He alleged, however, that Madam Egbe questioned his position and authority as Chief, including whether she was required to bring visitors before him whenever she received them at her residence.
Torgbui Hayibor II said he subsequently sought the opinions of senior traditionalists and other persons knowledgeable in traditional spiritual matters after showing them photographs of the deity.
According to the petition, the traditionalists informed him that the object appeared to be what is traditionally referred to as “Adzevedu,” which they allegedly associated with witchcraft-related spiritual practices.
The Divisional Chief, however, made clear in his petition that this identification was not a scientific conclusion, but rather information provided to him by senior traditionalists after examining the photographs.
Torgbui Hayibor II further stated that he later visited Madam Egbe’s residence together with some elders of the community, where they met the priest responsible for the installation.
The priest was identified in the petition as Torgbui Sodzatsi, who reportedly stated that he was originally from Akatsi Wlite but was domiciled at Techiman.
According to the Divisional Chief, the priest acknowledged in the presence of the elders that the deity was “Adzevedu.”
The priest reportedly agreed to accompany the Divisional Chief to the palace for further discussions concerning the matter.
The Divisional Chief alleged, however, that Madam Egbe followed them and subjected him to several insults and disrespectful remarks.
Torgbui Hayibor II said he was able to take photographs of some of the objects within the premises of Madam Egbe’s residence but could not gain access to those allegedly kept inside her room.
He is therefore appealing to the Duamenefa Foundation to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged installation and establish why the deity was brought into the community.
The Divisional Chief has also called for consideration of what he described as the possible exhumation of the deity, saying the step would help address concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of the people of Netsikorpe.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Municipal Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Ketu North, Dzodze, and the Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ketu North, Dzodze.
Madam Janet Egbe and Torgbui Sodzatsi were also copied on the petition.
The allegations contained in the petition have not been independently verified. The description of the deity as “Adzevedu” is based on the assessment reportedly given to the Divisional Chief by senior traditionalists after examining photographs and should not be interpreted as a scientific determination.
Madam Janet Egbe and Torgbui Sodzatsi have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present their respective accounts of the matter.
This is a developing story and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available and the parties involved are given the opportunity to respond.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze