09/09/2025
A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF EWE CULTURE: THE 79TH AGBOGBOZA FESTIVAL.
I had the privilege of attending the 79th Agbogboza Festival, a grand celebration of Ewe culture and heritage, held on September 6, 2025, in the ancient town of Notsie. The festival was organized under the auspices of His Highness Ewefiaga Togbui Agokoli IV and brought together chiefs and dignitaries from various Ewe communities in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin.
The grand durbar, held under the theme "Promoting Peace, Unity, and Sustainable Development within the Ewe Community" (French: "Peuple Ewe, avec Agbogboza, Renforce la culture du Vivre Ensemble et de la Paix, Gages du Développement Durable"), showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ewe people. Chiefs and queen mothers from the Anlo Kingdom and Asogli Kingdom in Ghana attended the festival. The Anlo Kingdom delegation was led by prominent figures such as Togbi Zewu IV, Dufia of Anloga and Domefiaga of Anlo, while the Asogli Kingdom delegation was led by Togbi Kasa III from Ho Ahoe. Other notable attendees included Togbi Kadzahlo Drabese IV, Dufia of Afiadenyigba; Togbi Subo II of Anloga; Togbi James Ocloo V, Dufia of Keta, Mama Dewuefea II, Queen Mother of Alagash*to, Klikor Traditional Area; and Mamaga Nyatseku II, Queen Mother from Atsiame.
The festival featured a vibrant display of Ewe culture, including traditional singing, dancing, and the legendary "Zangbeto" spiritual display. In his address, a representative from the Togolese President, His Excellency President Faure Essozima Gnassingbe, emphasized the importance of peace in nation-building and called for unity among the Ewe people.
Following the durbar, the delegation from Ghana visited the ancient walled city of Agbogbodzi, the ancestral home of the Ewes, which dates back to the 17th century. Although the city is undergoing modernization, remnants of the ancient wall have been preserved for tourists.
The 79th Agbogboza Festival was a truly unforgettable experience, serving as a pilgrimage for the chiefs, queen mothers, and dignitaries. The festival's colorful celebrations and cultural displays showcased the richness and diversity of Ewe heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions while promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Silas Aidam