Conflict looms in Anlo

Accra, Nov 01, GNA - Conflict is looming in the Anlo Traditional Area over the celebration of the Hogbetsotso Festival at Anloga following reports that groups are forming up to attack the traditional capital where the celebration is scheduled to take place on November 05. Reports reaching the office of the Togbi Awusu Agbesi 11, the Awadada, indicate that groups have gathered at Atiavi, Anyako, Asadame, Afiadenyigba and Alakple in readiness to stop activities relating to the celebration.

And in efforts to resolve the impasse, some prominent chiefs and leaders, including parliamentarians from the area, last Sunday met at Klikor and discussed the issue.

Traditionally, the Hogbetsotso festival is presided over by the Awoamefia of Anlo.

Since the death of Torgbi Adeladza II, the Awoamefia, in 1997, the festival was celebrated only twice. It was once presided over by the late Torgbi Nyaho Tameklo 1V, Miafiaga of Anlo, who took over as the acting President of the Anlo Traditional Council.

The second celebration was presided over by Torgbi Agbesi Awusu by virtue of the command structure of the Anlo chieftaincy institution. Since then, disputes over the substantive successor to the Awoamefia stool compelled some chiefs to put injunction on the celebration of the Hogbetsotso festival until a substantive chief is installed.

Barely two years ago, one Mr Francis Nyonyo Agboada, the Managing Director of the Fragaoil Company, proclaimed himself the regent pf the Awoamefia stool under the title Torgbi Sri III and for that matter the acting President of the Anlo Traditional Council.

Some members of the council and other concerned citizens of Anlo challenged this as being contrary to the practices, customs and tradition of the chieftaincy institution of Anlo.

All this happened at a time when one Mr Patrick Agboba, a royal of the Adzovia Clan, was properly selected, confined and all customary rites performed waiting to be outdoored.

Two weeks ago Mr Agboada announced at a press conference in Accra that he was going to celebrate the Hogbetsotso festival. Some prominent chiefs and opinion leaders of Anlo led by Torgbi Addo VIII of Klikor have appealed to the government to intervene quickly.