The Tanyigbe Traditional Council has formally reaffirmed the legitimacy and authority of His Royal Highness Togbega Kodi Adiko VI as the Paramount Chief of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area in the Ho Central Municipality of the Volta Region, pushing back against what it describes as growing misinformation in sections of the media regarding his status.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Council underscored that the Kodi Stool remains the ancient and paramount stool of Tanyigbe, tracing its lineage to Notsie during the historic migration of the Ewe people.

According to the Council, the stool has, for centuries, exercised supreme traditional authority over the four divisions of Tanyigbe — Anyigbe, Etoe, Atidze and Dzafe.

“Both oral tradition and documented historical records attest to an unbroken, non-rotational succession of six Paramount Chiefs from the Kodivi Royal Clan of the Adiko Royal Family,” the Council stated.

The Council outlined the line of succession, noting that Togbega Kodi Adiko VI was preceded by Togbe Kodi Adiko I, Togbe Fiakpoe Adiko II, Togbe Apatsi Adiko III, Togbe Goto Kɔsi Adiko IV, and Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, reinforcing its claim of historical continuity and legitimacy.

Addressing concerns surrounding the enstoolment process, the Council maintained that Togbega Kodi Adiko VI was duly nominated, selected, confined and enstooled following the death of his predecessor, Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, in strict conformity with Tanyigbe and Ewe customary law.

“His enstoolment was conducted with the full participation and endorsement of our kingmakers and Traditional Authority and included all required rites, including oath-swearing by the rightful persons, sacred rites, and public outdooring,” the statement said.

On the legal front, the Council acknowledged that a chieftaincy dispute concerning the Tanyigbe Paramountcy is currently before the National House of Chiefs, following an appeal against a ruling delivered by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in March 2025.

However, it stressed that the appeal has significant legal implications.

“Under Section 34 of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), the filing of an appeal automatically operates as a stay of execution of the Regional House of Chiefs’ decision,” the Council explained.

It therefore described as “legally unfounded and misleading” any claims suggesting that the enstoolment of Togbega Kodi Adiko VI has been nullified or rendered void.

“The Regional House of Chiefs’ ruling remains stayed, and Togbega Kodi Adiko VI continues to exercise full authority as Paramount Chief pending the final determination of the appeal,” the Council emphasised.

The chiefs, elders and kingmakers of all four divisions, the statement added, continue to unanimously recognise and support Togbega Kodi Adiko VI as the legitimate Paramount Chief of Tanyigbe.

In a broader appeal, the Council urged restraint and respect for due process.

“We call on all parties to respect the judicial process and to refrain from actions or statements capable of undermining peace, unity and public order within our Traditional Area,” it said.

Community members, development partners and state institutions were also encouraged to disregard misinformation and to continue engaging with the recognised Traditional Authority of Tanyigbe.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the current leadership, the Council noted that under Togbega Kodi Adiko VI, the area has experienced sustained peace and measurable progress.

“Tanyigbe has recorded steady gains in community development, education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and peacebuilding,” the statement concluded.

Press Release - All Media HousesDownload

The press release was signed by Mr Isaac Tawiah Gbortsu, Secretary of the Tanyigbe Traditional Council, and dated 23 December 2025.