Volta Region Loses Prominent Chief

Togbega Gabusu VI

The Gbi Traditional Council in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region has announced the demise of their overlord, Togbega Gabusu VI, putting to rest months of rumours about the death of the prominent chief.

Togbekeh XII, Chief of Gbi Wegbe, who made the announcement at a durbar at Hohoe over the weekend, said Togbega Gabusu passed on several months ago after a short illness at the age of 68. 

Togbega Gabusu, who was born on June 1950 as Eli Billy Bright Kormla Kumadie to Gustav Koku Kumadie of Gbi-Hohoe and Dorothea Kpegah of Gbi-Bla, hailed from the Royal Kadraka Gate of Torkoni Clan of Gbi Hohoe. 

Growing up as the only son among nine siblings, he became a professional teacher until his enstoolment on May 25, 1989. He reigned for 29 years. 

He became the Vice President and later President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs between 2000 and 2008. During his tenure, he proposed the use of Togbega to replace Togbe as salutation for paramount chiefs to distinguish them from divisional chiefs. 

Togbega became a one-time member of the National House of Chiefs and served on a number of boards. He is also known for his forthrightness and putting politicians on their toes without fear or favour. 

Togbega had seven children – four males and three females.

Prior to this announcement, the council enforced a ban on drumming and noise making. It has subsequently declared a week of mourning from Saturday, January 18 to next Saturday, January 25.

All citizens (Gbiviwo) are expected to show they are bereaved by wearing red or black or both throughout the period. All flags in the area are supposed to fly at half-mast.

The council said funeral arrangements would be announced later. However, a book of condolence has been opened for the public on the premises of the traditional council.

Meanwhile, Togbe Wode VI, Divisional Chief of Gbi-Kpeme, is acting as the paramount chief and president of the Gbi Traditional Council until a new paramount chief is enstooled.

 

Togbega Gabusu VI.

From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)