The chiefs and people of Awudome Traditional Area on Wednesday said they had withdrawn their recognition of allegiance to Togbe Addae Kwasi Sekpe XII, Fiaga of the area.

Togbe Atia Yao VIII, Chief of Bame announced this at a press conference at Avenui.

Present were the chiefs of Bame, Tsibu, Tsito, Dafor, Kwanta and the Queen of Anyirwase, the paramount seat of the seven-member Traditional Area.

Togbe Atia Yao said the necessary rites to dethrone Togbe Kwasi Sekpe were performed since September 2005 following “his negative behavior” against the Traditional Area.

He said Togbe Addae Kwesi Sekpe, therefore, had no control, power or authority over the area and that anybody, political party or group, who transacts business with Togbe Addae Kwesi Sekpe as Paramount Chief of Awudome have themselves to blame.

He called on Volta and National House of Chiefs to ignore the position of Togbe Addae Kwesi Sekpe, as Paramount Chief of Awudome because the Traditional Area would not respond to any communication or transaction through the deposed chief.

Togbe Atia Yao said until a substantive Paramount Chief was enthroned Awudome-Avenui would assume the role of a paramount chief, in accordance with seniority in the Traditional Area.

A letter dated 14th September, 2005 headed “destoolment of Togbe Addae Kwasi Sekpe XII” signed by all the divisional chiefs and Paramount Queen of the Traditional Area included violating the great oath of Bame, the oath of the office of the Paramount Chief.

Togbe Addae Kwesi Sekpe was also alleged to have shown gross disrespect to the chiefs and people of Awudome, generated conflicts and depositing false affidavit in court to achieve his personal agenda.

A source at the Volta Regional House of Chiefs told the GNA that a petition by the Awudome Traditional Area on the matter has been pending before the House since 2005.**