The Salu Royal stool, the chiefs and people of Anlo Afiadenyigba in the Keta municipality of the Volta Region mark the 70th anniversary of the reign of Togbi Salu III, the Dutor of Anlo Afiadenyigba.
The celebration dubbed ‘Changing landscape of traditional leadership; repositioning of the Salu stool for development’ saw hundreds of traditional rulers and many dignitaries from across the entire nation gracing the occasion.
Mr. Emmanuel Salu, the chairman of Salu council of elders, in his welcome address expressed his gratitude to God for being with Togbi from the beginning till today as he celebrates his 70 years of reign.
“The only Monarch who ruled this long in modern times was Queen Elizabeth II of England who ruled for 70 years and 214 days,” he stated.
According to Mr. Salu, Togbi Salu III ascended the throne in March 1954 and this 2024 marks his 70th anniversary on the stool. “This is only possible by the grace and mercy of God”.
Togbi Salu III was enstooled at the age of 4, so Agbotadua Amegavi Klinogo acted in the name of Togbi Salu III for about 50 years.
” We will outdoor a new Agbotadua and Mama for the Salu stool.
According to Mr. Salu, they have had three previous Agbotaduas, but the seat has been vacant since the most recent Agbotadua, Amegavi Klinogo, passed on in 2008. This will be the first time a Mama would be installed.
In an address by the celebrant; Togbi Salu III, he expressed his gratitude for the Lord for keeping him safe up till today.
“Ebenezer, this is how far the Good God has brought, with great joy and humility, I stand before you today to address you as I mark seventy years on the stool,” Togbi stated.
“It has been a long, daunting, eventful, and interesting journey which all started when I was just four years and two months”, he added.
Togbi used the opportunity to appeal to other chiefs to prefer development of their communities rather than the quest for chieftaincy disputes and titles.
Togbi also used the opportunity to advise the youth concerning their education, keeping it a focus rather than looking for quick money by hook or crook.
“I challenge you, therefore, to take your education very seriously. For my part, I will continue to provide whatever support I can and appeal to well-meaning citizens to help you”, Togbi highlighted.
Togbi again appealed to NGOs and individuals to assist him complete the ICT laboratory project he started whose work stalled due to financial constraints.
Togbi concluded by advising the general public to embrace peace in the forthcoming election.
I appeal to all political parties, the electoral commission, the security services, the citizens and all other organizations and agencies that are involved in the electoral process not to do anything that will undermine the process and compromise the peace of the nation.
The anniversary was climaxed by cultural displays from various cultural troupes, along with drama and poetry recitals.
The Salu Royal stool cut a sod for building an ultra-modern palace and sports complex.
In attendance were traditional rulers across the country, MPs and thousands of well-wishers
Togbi Agbesi Awusu, the chairman of the occasion in his closing remark appealed to well-wishers to assist Togbi to complete the palace in no time. He also advised the general public to embrace peace in all their endeavours.
Report by
Courage Edwin Amenuda
Fafaa 100.3MHz