The rhythmic thumping of drums returned to the Agave Traditional Area, as the Paramount Chief, Torgbega Hlitabo Gadagbe IV, officially declared the end of the annual ban on drumming and noise-making on January 23, 2026 at the grand durbar of the DzaWuWu festival.
It was a historic moment for the people of Agave for the first time in over a decade since they last celebrated the traditional festival of the ancestors.
After weeks of solemn “quietude,” the lifting of the ban felt like a collective deep breath taken by the entire community. A community which has lived with uncertainty due to the personal interest of a few. Chiefs, Queen mothers, and the youth gathered to witness the historic moment.
A Period of Spiritual Renewal
Addressing the excited people of Agave, Torgbega Hlitabo Gadagbe IV emphasized that the ban was never about “silencing” the people, but rather about tuning their hearts to the frequency of their ancestors.
Speaking with a voice that carried both the weight of authority and the warmth of a father, he remarked:
“It is with immense joy and profound gratitude to our ancestors and the Almighty that I stand before you today. This sacred period of quietude has once again allowed us to honor our traditions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the rich cultural heritage bequeathed to us by our forebears.
“My people, let us understand that the period of silence we have just observed is not merely a cessation of sound, but a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal. It is during these weeks that we commune with our ancestors and seek their blessings. I commend every citizen of Agave, both home and abroad – even those of you who stayed quiet in the busy cities – for observing this ban with the respect and solemnity it deserves. The silence has spoken volumes about our unity and our discipline.”
A Call to the Youth and the Priesthood
The Paramount Chief was particularly passionate when addressing the younger generation, reminding them that culture is a living thing, not a relic to be kept in a museum. He also touched on the critical need for harmony within the traditional leadership and the priesthood (Trokpɔnuawo).
“To our youth, I have a special message for you today. You are the custodians of tomorrow’s traditions. What we preserve today, we preserve for you and your children. Embrace your culture with pride! As we say in Ewe, ‘Ðevi si woa nya nu la, woa nya nu’—the child who is taught, will learn. In this rapidly changing world, your identity as sons and daughters of Agave must remain unshakable.
“And to my fellow Trokpɔnuawo, I say: ‘Míawo katã míele ati ɖeka dzi.’ We are all branches of the same tree. Our individual branches may reach in different directions, but we share the same roots and draw sustenance from the same soil. Let us nurture this tree together so it may provide shade and fruit for all our people. When there is unity within the priesthood, the whole nation enjoys peace.”
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.
