The paramount chief of Vume Traditional Area in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region, Okokoako Togbe Yao Akornor II, has, however, strongly rejected suggestions that the said performance of any customary rites, such as the pouring of libation or drink by chiefs and other traditional leaders, is the same as the act of fetishism.
With regards, he noted that performing such an act isn’t anything bad while saying that customs and traditions are therefore as old as religion, arguing that these practices even existed before Christianity.
Togbe Yao Akornor II was said to have been speaking at the spiritual stool rites event at Vume, thus Knoviadzi.
Though located in the central Tongu district, Vume-Kpoviadzi is one of the twenty-nine (29) major communities that also constitute the Vume Traditional Area, with Togbe Yao Akornor II as its main overlord.
This attracted many chiefs of the paramountcy, mainly from the Vume communities or the entire township, such as Torgorme, Sokope, Gleleme, Klokope, and even Kpoviadzi and others that are not mentioned.
Meanwhile, in attendance, lots of “Asafo,” among many, sang a lot of songs traditionally while rites and others were performed.
Some customary rites were performed; however, the Togbe of the Vume led an outstanding task, thus pouring libation prayers for the citizenry and calling for forgiveness from the gods.
Togbe added that the god of the land has not been very happy due to the negative attitudes they put forward in conducting bad tasks. He added that the gods have mercy on them and plead for forgiveness therein.
He also said that the situation has led to lots of features, including a lack of peace and even cohesion, among others.
Meanwhile, the spiritual direction asked that chiefs within the Vume traditional area enter their stool rooms to confess their sins or wrongs but also ask God, the mighty of all, and other gods for full forgiveness since they have confessed.
In addition, other chiefs were also available, including the chief of Mafi Gidikpoe, Togbee III, who happened to chair the function. He was grateful to God for a great occasion as such. He added to the aforementioned that all communities must become united and committed to God.
Some of the chiefs who were present at the event included Manklalo of the Torgorme Traditional Area, Togbe Gidi IV, Dufia of Vume Gbeleme, Togbe Kumsah IV, and the Awafia of Torgorme, Togbe Dzetekletsi III. Meanwhile, others also included the following: Togbe Veteh III of Torgorme-Sokope, Togbe Klo Gator III of Vume-Klokope, and Togbe Torkplizo III of Torgorme Nakpoe.
Some of the Agbotaduas, such as Agbotadua Ahorsu II for Togbe Kumsah IV of Vume-Gbeleme, were also present at the function.
