30/01/2026
Significance of This Year’s DzaWuWu Festival
Since the demise of Togbega Azaxie Degenu III, the Chief Priest of Agave has not
performed the sacred rituals customarily reserved for a duly installed Paramount Chief of
Agave. One of such rites is Vutsrotsror, a ritual traditionally undertaken after the completion
of the preliminary processes leading to the installation of a Paramount Chief.
The Vutsrotsror ritual, performed at Godzekpota during the DzaWuWu festival, is among the
most sacred and binding traditional rites in Agave. By custom and long-standing tradition,
once this ritual is performed for a particular Paramount Chief, it cannot be repeated for any
other person until the demise of the individual for whom it was originally performed. This
practice safeguards the sanctity, continuity and authority of the Agave Paramount Stool.
For more than sixteen (16) years following the death of Togbega Azaxie Degenu III, these
rituals remained suspended amid prolonged chieftaincy disputes, rival claims to the
Paramount Stool, court actions, injunctions and the alleged manipulation of traditional
processes by some individuals within chieftaincy governance structures. These
controversies deepened divisions within the Agave State and stalled the performance of
critical customary rites, including those associated with the DzaWuWu festival.
Against this background, the performance of the sacred rituals this year is of particular
significance. Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV has been duly accepted and recognised as the
Paramount Chief of Agave by the seven sacred cults of Agave, who are traditionally
mandated to perform these rituals and oversee the installation of a Paramount Chief. Their
collective participation and endorsement affirm his legitimacy in accordance with Agave
customs and traditions, notwithstanding the years of contention surrounding the stool.
The performance of the Vutsrotsror ritual this year, following the installation of Togbega
Gadagbe Hlitabo IV in May last year, therefore marks a historic milestone in the traditional
governance of the Agave State. It signals a restoration of customary order after years of
uncertainty and controversy, and underscores the enduring authority of Agave traditions in
resolving chieftaincy matters.
Profile Of Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV
On 14th April, 2025 at the Palace of the Late Togbega Degenu Azaxie III in Dabala,
Torgbega Hlitabo Gadagbe IV was outdoored as the Paramount Chief of Agave Traditional
Area after 16 years of contention in leadership.
Known in private life as Mr. Joseph Akakpo Awuye, Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV is a
seasoned professional engineer with over 50 years of experience in both private and public
sectors, he possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills.
He has undergone extensive training in Ghana and internationally.Including institutions like
Beijing Metropolitan Assembly Training (2010); Carl Bro International University,
Copenhagen (2000); Certificate Course on Plant Maintenance for Engineers, Kitukushu
Technical University, Japan (1997), Management Development for Engineers Certificate,
Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), Accra (1984); and a Full
Technological Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Institution of Plant Engineers, Britain
(1977).
Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV who was born on 14th June, 1951, is currently the Technical
Director of Meskworld Company Limited. He was the Chief Technical Engineer at Accra
Metropolitan Assembly from 1980-2014 and the Mechanical Foreman of the State Gold
Mining Cooperation from 1976-1979.
His father is Mr. Dumah Awuye Kpobi son of Awuye Kpobi from Kpekorfe Agave Goloe
village and his mother Mad. Amenyeku Fiagbenu from Mafi Adidome Kpogede and from
Toh/Tovie Clan.
As the speech concluded, the Chief gave the long-awaited signal for the festivities to
commence. The transition from silence to celebration was instantaneous. The air, which had
been still for weeks, was suddenly filled with the sounds of traditional songs and the cheers
of the people.
