ABOUT
THE KINGDOM OF GODENU
Godenu, meaning “Be Steadfast with God,” emerged from a chieftaincy dispute in 1942 within the Wegbe Kingdom, founded in the 13th century. Today it continues as a kingdom, constitutionally recognized within Ghana. The present king, Togbe Osei III, acknowledging the vast and varied history of his people and wanting to bring them benefit, innovated an honorific system in the tradition of European royal houses. These titles , such as knighthood, are bestowed upon worthy individuals who have raised substantial charity for the people of the kingdom, helping the king achieve specific developmental projects and goals.
HISTORY
The Ewe people, who form much of the population of this part of Africa have a long and storied history. The particular clans of the Kingdom of Wegbe had migrated from Notse, in present day Togo, escaping a brutal ruler. Moving westward, they settled along the lush Volta River in present day Ghana. The Nyive clan, composed of the Gologa, Awumadake, and Ametu families, unified the various families, rotating their leadership among themselves. Over time, additional clans, the Danorkpedzi, Zorkorgbe, Kpiaya, Dzabe, and Adzokoe, joined to form the Wegbe Kingdom, each with their own chiefs, queens, and traditional rulers under the Nyive King.
After the passing of the Nyive clan’s king in the early 20th century, disputes arose among other clans vying for kingship. Togbe (king) Osei II, emerged as the legitimate ruler. However, unhappy with the ongoing conflicts, he established the Kingdom of Godenu in 1942, with all the previous clans except the Danorkpedzi and Kpiaya. Togbe Osei II’s fluency in German, English, French, and the local Ewe language led to his appointment as a judge by the colonial government, covering the entire Traditional Area of Hohoe. He reigned for sixty years, over the previous Wegbe and then the Godenu Kingdom until his passing at 117 in 1985. In 2002, Togbe Osei III succeeded him as ruler of the Godenu Kingdom.
From the 15th century, various European powers, starting with Portugal, claimed much of these areas as their own. After World War I, much of this area which had been German colonies, were split between the French and British, with part becoming the Republic of Togo and the remainder joining Ghana. Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve sovereignty in the struggle against colonialism in 1957.
AMIGOS DE GODENU
The Spanish chapter of the charity that supports the work of Togbe Osei III to develop the region performs various activities throughout the year. These activities raise funds for this important work, with all monies going to the projects. All administration, communication, and management is performed only by volunteers, and funds for the activities must be donated. Togbe Osei III innovated the honorific system to thank those most dedicated to his cause resulting in the Order of the Lion and the Order of the Elephant.
THE AUTUMN BALL
Amigos de Godenu each year in the fall host a ball to raise money for the charity. All proceeds go to the project targeted by Togbe Osei III. To find out more about the projects, check the link below.