The Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) has nullified the enstoolment of Roland Adiko as Paramount Chief of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area, affirming that succession to the Tanyigbe Paramount Stool is governed by a rotational system.
The ruling, delivered on March 21, 2025, by the Judicial Committee of the VRHC, brings to a close a protracted chieftaincy dispute that dates back to 2017/2019. The Committee held that historical records, oral tradition, living memory and documentary evidence conclusively establish that the Akoto Royal House of the Doku-Dzehe clan are substantive paramount chiefs, and not caretakers as previously alleged.
In its judgment, the Committee affirmed that the late Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, who died in 2015 and was buried in 2017, lawfully succeeded Togbe Kwami Ekpe Akoto II. It further ruled that the Tanyigbe Paramountcy is not the exclusive preserve of the Kodivi clan, but operates under a rotational succession arrangement among eligible clans.
Based on this finding, the Judicial Committee held that following the death of Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, the right to present a candidate for the paramount stool passed to the Anyidoto clan, not the Kodivi clan. Consequently, the Committee ruled that Roland Adiko, who was nominated and enstooled by the Kodivi clan, did not qualify under the rotational system, rendering his nomination, selection and enstoolment null and void.
The Committee further upheld the nomination and enstoolment of Togbe Etoi Kodzo by the Anyidoto clan as valid and lawful, entering judgment in favour of the Petitioners. The claims of the Petitioners were declared to have succeeded in their entirety, with the Court awarding GH¢20,000 in costs.
The judgment was signed by Togbe Gbordzor III, Chairman of the Judicial Committee, with Togbe Adrakpanya VI, Togbega Sei II, and Counsel Cephas Kwadzo Motey serving as members of the panel.
The ruling provides legal and customary clarity to the long-standing leadership dispute in the Tanyigbe Traditional Area and is expected to restore order and stability in line with established tradition and the rule of customary law.
Meanwhile, Mr Roland Adiko and his kingmakers have filed a fresh appeal at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, and claimed that by filing an APPEAL, the VRHC Judgment execution was no longer binding. The Appeal hearing started on December 9, 2025.
In response, the Akotoviwo, through their legal team, argued that the any claim of stay of execution is unlawful.
Below is the legal response to the Tanyigbe area communities (NORDU) by Ayine and Partners Legal Consultant, Lawyers of Akotoviwo.
