Tension is mounting in Akame following reports that the Dzonyra family has been summoned before a shrine in connection with an escalating chieftaincy dispute, a development that has stirred fear and division within the community.
The petitioner, Chief Inspector Paul Nuaku, a member of the Dzonyra family, explained that the dispute stems from a long established chieftaincy structure instituted by their forefathers to regulate the installation of chiefs within the family. According to him, the family operates a rotational system made up of four recognized gates: Egbleviwo, Dzonyra, Dakuviwo, and Saluviwo.
He stated that the arrangement, which is backed by documentation, clearly outlines the order in which each gate presents a candidate for installation. Chief Inspector Nuaku maintained that it is currently the turn of the Salu group to occupy the stool in accordance with the rotational system.
However, he alleged that certain senior family members, Mr Yaotse Amega Alade, Torbokor Kwamivi Midekor, and Korsivi Ahiator, opposed the move and declared that the Salu group would not be installed as chief. He described this opposition as a breach of the family’s established structure and said it marked the beginning of the current dispute.
Chief Inspector Nuaku said that attempts were made to resolve the matter peacefully. He said the senior family members were summoned before traditional rulers in the area for dialogue and amicable settlement, but they failed to honour the invitations.
He further alleged that the situation took a troubling turn when he received a call from the Nogokpo Shrine, informing him that the same family members had summoned members of the Dzonyra family before the shrine and that he was required to appear.
Chief Inspector Nuaku said he honoured the summons and appeared before the shrine, where the chief priestess reportedly informed him that Mr Yaotse Amega Alade had denied threatening to use gun against family members. The alleged gun threat, he said, had earlier been reported to the police, who conducted a search of Mr Alade’s room as part of preliminary investigations.
He claimed that the senior members proceeded to summon the family before the shrine over what they described as false accusations. Chief Inspector Nuaku stated that even though he explained the matter to the shrine, the members still went ahead to invoke the wrath of the gods. When the Duamenefa Foundation asked Mr Yaotse Amega Alade about the act, he reportedly confirmed it.
Apart from the Nogokpo Shrine incident, Chief Inspector Nuaku also alleged that Sergeant Michael Dzonyra took some family members to Bakpa Shrine to invoke the wrath of the gods, a move reportedly supported by Mr Yaotse Amega Alade. When Mr Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe of the Duamenefa Foundation asked Mr Yaotse if the allegations were true, he stated that though they went to the shrine at Bakpa, no rituals were performed there.
In addition, Chief Inspector Nuaku alleged that Michael Dzonyra used the middle school certificate of Napoleon Dzonyra to gain entry into the police service. The matter, he said, was reported to the authorities. When the Duamenefa Foundation reached out to Sergeant Michael to hear his side of the allegation, he reportedly told the foundation to speak directly to the Inspector General of Police. Mr Ketaman, however, stated that the foundation would continue its investigation to ascertain the facts and protect the Dzonyra family from further unnecessary deaths.
The Duamenefa Foundation also reached out to Mr Yaotse Amega Alade to hear his side of the story. When asked whether he was behind Sergeant Michael being taken to Bakpa Shrine, Mr Alade confirmed that he went with him, explaining that the Sergeant referred to him as Uncle and that some people were unfairly blaming him for events he did not cause.
Mr Ketaman also questioned Mr Alade on why the family was not summoned before any traditional rulers, as prescribed by customary law, rather than being taken to a shrine. Mr Alade responded that they were seeking a place where they would see the truth, claiming that traditional rulers could not deliver justice. Mr Ketaman immediately called on him to withdraw that statement, noting that it undermines the authority of traditional rulers. He further clarified that it is the traditional rulers, not shrines, who are recognised by law to mediate and resolve disputes among family members.
Chief Inspector Nuaku further alleged that rituals were performed at the Nogokpo Shrine, after which some family members began to die under mysterious circumstances, a development the family suspects may be linked to the shrine activities. These allegations, however, have not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, Mr Ketaman stated that the Duamenefa Foundation will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the truth and restore peace within the Dzonyra family in Akame. He clarified that the foundation will not interfere in the chieftaincy structure itself, noting that there are established traditional and legal institutions responsible for handling such matters.
Mr Ketaman reiterated that the foundation’s focus will be on the spiritual aspects of the allegations surrounding the shrine activities. He also disclosed that he asked Chief Inspector Nuaku whether the issues of “threat to life” contained in the petition had been officially reported to the police. In response, Chief Inspector Nuaku confirmed that a report had been made but indicated that there had been no positive outcome so far.
Residents of Akame continue to monitor the situation closely, as community leaders call for calm and restraint while investigations proceed in hopes of restoring unity within the Dzonyra family and the wider community.
The Duamenefa Foundation of Fafaa 100.3 Fm is a Social Intervention Non – Governmental Organization, vested with the mandate to collaborate with lawful agencies to investigate and intervene towards the resolution of hitherto antagonistic diabolical and spiritual conflicts and to promote peaceful coexistence of people in the various communities.
By Hutor Dziwornu,
Editor: Isabella Emmanuela Evortepe – Fafaa 100.3 Fm