Botoku’s history belongs to all of us
There comes a time when respect for one’s elders must coexist with an obligation to speak plainly about the history they entrusted to us. I have watched the Botoku paramountcy dispute with increasing sadness. I initially spoke cautiously, partly because a leading figure on the Kledzasi side was my late elder cousin, whom I respected … The post Botoku’s history belongs to all of us appeared first…
The Botoku paramountcy dispute has prompted a reconsideration of its history. The author, who co-authored the book Botoku/Dzali: History, Culture and Governance, has spoken out about the findings. The Botoku Paramount Stool began with Togbe Sei of Kledzasi but did not remain there. It passed to Togbe Sei's sister, Sei Ama, and her descendants at Kpale.
This transfer is documented as having occurred by 1886. Since then, five successive Tamtias from Kpale have ruled Botoku until Togbe Tamtia V's death in 2003. The author emphasizes that Kledzasi people, who contributed to the reconstruction of their shared history, never viewed the Tamtias as illegitimate occupants of the stool that Kledzasi intended to reclaim.
The Kledzasi chiefs and elders described the transfer as something that had happened, not as an unresolved grievance. The author finds it troubling that today's selective use of the book disregards this aspect of the history. The succession passed through a woman, Sei Ama, due to the tradition of human sacrifice, which ensured the royal descent of the child.
This maternal succession was not unique to Kpale, but rather a continuation of the Botoku chieftaincy line. The author appeals to other Botoku clans to share this part of their history, which connects the transfer to the present Tamtia succession.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
