Ho and Asogli State Honor Late Paramount Chief Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV with Vibrant Asafo Performance

The Chiefs and people of Ho in the Asogli State have performed a symbolic Asafo display to honor the late Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV, the Paramount Chief of Ziavi. This tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring historical and cultural bonds between the traditional areas within the Ho Municipality. The ceremony was marked by intense traditional displays, reflecting the high esteem in which the late Paramount Chief was held by his peers and the community at large.

The homage specifically commemorated the shared history of the Ewe people, rooted in their migration from Notsie in present-day Togo. According to oral tradition, the ancestors of these communities fled the oppressive rule of King Agorkoli during the pre-colonial era to settle in their current locations. This historical backdrop added significant depth to the funeral rites, as the Asafo performance—traditionally associated with warrior groups—symbolized the bravery, resilience, and unity of their forebears during their journey to freedom.

Led by the WarLord of the Asogli State, Togbe Lakle Howusu, the procession was a vivid showcase of Ewe cultural artistry and martial heritage. Participants paraded through the streets of Ziavi Dzogbe, accompanied by sacred drumming, rhythmic singing, and war-themed dances. The atmosphere was charged with the sounds of traditional instruments and the sight of intricate cultural regalia, while some participants performed traditional feats that showcased the spiritual and historical strength of the Asogli people.

The ceremony reached its climax at Akpevi Blorme, the gathering point of the Royal Akpevi Clan. Here, warriors engaged in a thunderous display of musketry to honor the departed Ewe Chief. This final act of the Asafo performance served not only as a final farewell to Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV but also as a reaffirmation of the solidarity between the Ziavi and Ho traditional areas. The funeral rites continue to serve as a vital expression of community identity and the preservation of ancestral traditions in the Volta Region.