Agave Tension Rises Adutor Youth Give 7-Days Ultimatum Over Chieftancy Dispute.
Tension is mounting in the Agave Traditional Area of the Volta Region as residents of Adutor staged a peaceful protest demanding urgent intervention in an escalating chieftaincy dispute.
The demonstrators, clad in red and black attire and led by former Assembly Member, Michael Akpese, presented a petition to the Paramount Chief of the Agave Traditional Area, accusing one Togbe Abodo of unlawfully attempting to remove Togbe Lugu Awadali IV, chief of Adutor and head of the Anyigbe Clan.
According to the protesters, Togbe Lugu Awadali IV remains the legitimate traditional ruler of Adutor, insisting that any attempt to destool him is illegal and unacceptable.
The group issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Paramount Chief, demanding swift action by May 19, 2026, or they would pursue legal action.
Speaking after the protest, Togbe Lugu Awadali IV firmly denied claims that he had been destooled, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
He maintained that both customary and legal processes have affirmed his legitimacy as chief, citing a court judgment in which his rival allegedly referred to him as Togbe Lugu Awadali IV in official evidence — a point he said later worked against the rival in court.
The chief further accused Togbe Abodo of inciting unrest within the Agave area by mobilizing supporters to oppose legitimate traditional installations.
He referenced a violent incident at Bakopai during a chieftaincy installation, where he claimed tensions allegedly orchestrated by the rival resulted in the death of a man identified as Sabour, a matter currently under police investigation.
Describing the actions of his opponent as “primitive” and lawless, Togbe Lugu Awadali IV stressed that chieftaincy disputes must be resolved through the courts and traditional institutions, not through violence or intimidation.
He called for calm among residents and appealed to both government authorities and the public to pay attention to the growing tensions in the area.
The Paramount Chief of the Agave Traditional Area, Torgbega Xodihon IV, acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the people of Adutor that the Traditional Council would study the matter carefully.
While recognizing the community’s right to express its grievances, the Paramount Chief urged residents to remain peaceful and allow due traditional and legal processes to take their course.
He noted that the council is aware of the allegations surrounding the attempted destoolment and promised that efforts are underway to address the concerns raised by the demonstrators.
Meanwhile, the petition was also presented to the South Tongu District Chief Executive, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, who pledged to ensure the concerns of the Adutor community are forwarded to the President for attention.
REPORTER: AHIABOR AUGUSTINE.
