Gbi State softens stand on ultimatum for the return regalia

The Gbi State is re-considering the Friday June 15 deadline for the return of the stool regalia allegedly stolen by the Hohoe Zongo youth who vandalised Togbega Gabusu’s Palace last Monday.

The softening of the stand followed appeals by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu and Togbe Afede XIV President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Mr. Henry Ford Kamel Volta Regional Minister, and other stakeholders.

Togbe Adzema VI, Chief of Gbi-Abanse and Spokesperson for the Gbi Traditional Council, announced the decision at a news conference interspersed with the singing of dirges and war songs on Friday.

He however prayed that the items be returned soonest.

Togbe Adzema said the Gbis know the significance of peace and national development and were therefore, prepared for a lasting resolution of the impasse.

He explained that the stalemate is not a religious conflict but one ignited by disregard for law and order and disrespect for authority.

“It is purely an issue of disrespect to the highest authority of the Gbi land,” Togbe Adzema said.

He urged the media to be circumspect in its reportage to avoid inflaming sentiments.

Togbe Adzema asked the security services to be fair and professional.

He said the traditional area welcomes the Government’s decision to set up a committee to investigate circumstances surrounding the disturbances to forestall future occurrences.

Meanwhile, Togbega Gabusu would for the first time since the incident be taken round to assess the situation.

Communal clashes began at Hohoe on Monday when some youth of the Zongo Community found the exhumed body of the local Chief Imam at the roadside at the outskirt of the town after his burial on Sunday.

He was reportedly buried in defiance of a ban on the burial of members of the Zongo Community on Gbi Land.

The traditional authorities of Gbi imposed the ban after some Zongo youth vandalised the Hohoe Government Hospital and attacked some of its staff accusing them that their negligence had led to the death of their colleague, who was sent there to be treated for electrocution.

Reports say he was working in the vicinity of the hospital when the incident happened but staff on duty demanded his National Health Insurance card.

He however, died before the card arrived.

The town is under a dusk to dawn curfew amidst heavy security monitoring.

Both sides in the conflict have suffered casualties and damage to property. **