Beirut: The Ziavi Traditional Area is facing heightened tensions following rival installations of a Paramount Chief, with two factions asserting competing claims to the stool.
According to Ghana News Agency, the dispute, centred in the Ho Municipality, has drawn in divisional chiefs, subjects, and allied traditional areas, with both sides pursuing legal action to halt each other's processes. The Akpevi Clan, linked to the late Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV, maintains custodianship of the stool and has installed his son, Mr Alfred Kumah, as Togbe Ayim Kwaku V, alongside Ms Precious Agbagba as Mama Mawuodi III during final funeral rites in February.
However, the Tsadaviefe Clan has challenged the succession, citing breaches of customary procedures and asserting its status as original settlers and custodians. The clan disputes past installations, including those of Togbe Kwaku Ayim II, III, and IV, and has installed Mr Conrad Sename Norgbey as Togbe Adza Yawo II, with Ms Seraphine Miriam Norgbey as Mama Tsa-Tugbe. They said the April 11 installation sought to restore historical continuity and integrity to Ziavi leadership.
The matter is expected to proceed to court, with both factions seeking official gazetting of their Paramount Chiefs. Meanwhile, Togbe Adza Kodzo IV, Dufia of Ziavi-Lume, is serving as Acting President of the Ziavi Traditional Council following the demise of Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV.