Women leadership of Asogli State in Ho in the Volta Region have called for Togbe Afiatsoa III to be destooled as Mankrado of the Ho-Bankoe Division.
They appealed to the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV to ensure the removal of the embattled chief because his actions were abominable, did not depict that of a leader, and identified as a potential threat to the peace of Ho.
Addressing the press at the premises of the Asogli Traditional Council, the Afetor Nyornufia (Queenmother) of Ho-Bankoe, Mama Bobi III said Togbe Afiatsoa III exhibited a lack of respect for authority, customs, and traditions when he invoked curses on the Paramount Queenmother of Asogli, Mamaga Akua Dei ll.
“It is common knowledge that a chief is strictly prohibited from invoking curses, especially against a superior, let alone an innocent one.”
“Such behaviour is grounds for immediate destoolment, as it constitutes gross insubordination, treachery, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the peace and unity of Ho-Bankoe.”
“Clearly, Togbe Afiatsoa III has been rejected by the gods of our land, as the adage goes: ‘He whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad’”, she said.
Mama Bobi explained the curses were reportedly rooted in Togbe Afiatsoa’s belief that Mamaga Akua Dei occupied his position as side chief of Togbe Afede.
She, however, explained that Mamaga Akua Dei sitting at the side of Togbe Afede during the 2024 Asogli Te Zã was part of measures instituted to clarify the rightful position of the embattled chief, following his clamour to be gazetted as the Overlord of Ho, while he identifies himself as the Dutor of Ho and Dufia of Ho-Bankoe.
“These measures, unfortunately, infuriated Togbe Afiatsoa III, prompting him to boycott some of the 2024 Te Zã activities, including the grand durbar, primarily because he would not be seated by your side during the event.
“In an effort to disrupt the proceedings, Togbe Afiatsoa III further attempted to prevent chiefs and queens from his clan from attending the durbar. However, in a commendable display of wisdom and loyalty, these chiefs and Queens defied his orders and participated in the durbar.”
“In a fit of anger, frustration, or both, Togbe Afiatsoa III resorted to invoking the gods of the land, specifically “Hosi and Atife,” and pronounced curses intended to cause harm to Mamaga Akua Dei II, your Queen and Paramount Queen of Asogli, accusing her of occupying a position he believes rightfully belongs to him”, she said.
Mama Bobi further indicated that elders from Togbe Afiatsoa’s clan confirmed the cursing incident and were requested to perform some rites to revoke the curses and advise him to render an unqualified public apology.
She said the embattled chief failed to apologise hence their resolve for him to be replaced to bring some sanity to the Ho-Bankoe Division and Asogli State.
“We respectfully demand the immediate destoolment of Togbe Afiatsoa III and the enstoolment of a more deserving and capable individual to assume this honorable position”, she stressed when she presented a petition to the Asogli Traditional Council.
The Secretary of the Asogli Traditional Council received the petition on behalf of the Togbe Afede and promised the women that it would get the attention it deserved.
Source: Fred Quame Asare
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