Liberators of a People: The Heroic Tale of Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri

By Kwadwo Afrifa – April 7, 2025 09:00am

The narrative of Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri leading the Anlo Ewe people from the oppressive rule of Agɔ Akɔli in Notsie to their present homeland in southeastern Ghana stands as a cornerstone of Anlo history and identity. This epic saga transcends mere historical recounting, embodying themes of resistance against tyranny, the crucial role of visionary leadership, and the arduous journey towards self-determination. Examining this pivotal period with specific detail and drawing upon available academic sources allows for a deeper understanding of its significance.

The initial context of the narrative centers on Notsie, a settlement in present-day Togo, which served as a significant ancestral home for various Ewe-speaking groups (Greene, 2002, p. 45). The reign of Agɔ Akɔli is consistently portrayed in oral traditions as one marked by severe despotism. Accounts detail his capricious cruelty, demanding tributes, forced labor, and instilling an atmosphere of fear and subjugation (Amenumey, 1997, p. 15). This oppressive environment fostered a growing discontent among the Ewe people, creating the impetus for seeking liberation.

Emerging from this backdrop of tyranny were Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri, figures who galvanized the yearning for freedom into a tangible movement. Togbe Wenya is often characterized as the principal strategist and visionary, possessing the intellectual acumen to recognize the unsustainability of their subjugated existence and to conceive a path towards emancipation (Gavua, 2007, p. 32). His wisdom and foresight were crucial in formulating the escape plan. Togbe Sri, on the other hand, is typically depicted as the embodiment of strength, resolve, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people (Nukunya, 1969, p. 10). His steadfastness provided the necessary fortitude during the challenging periods of planning and the subsequent arduous journey. While oral traditions may sometimes vary in attributing specific actions to either leader, their complementary roles as intellectual architect and resolute executor appear consistent.

The escape from Notsie is perhaps the most iconic element of this historical narrative, vividly illustrating the ingenuity and collective will of the Ewe people under their leaders. The widely recounted strategy involving the gradual softening of the city walls with water exemplifies a calculated and patient approach to resistance. By feigning everyday activities or ritualistic practices, the people subtly weakened the defenses of their oppressor over time, masking their true intentions (Amenumey, 1997, p. 16). This act of strategic deception underscores the intelligence and resourcefulness attributed to Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri. The eventual break through the weakened wall, executed under the cover of darkness, signifies a decisive moment of collective action, driven by the promise of liberation.

The subsequent migration from Notsie was not a swift or simple flight. It involved a protracted period of wandering through unfamiliar and potentially hostile territories. This journey, marked by hardship, resource scarcity, and the constant threat of confrontation, tested the resilience and unity of the migrating group (Greene, 2002, p. 46). The leadership of Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri during this phase was critical in maintaining morale, navigating treacherous landscapes, and mediating potential conflicts. Their ability to inspire hope and foster a sense of shared purpose was essential for the survival and cohesion of the group.

The eventual arrival and settlement in the fertile southeastern plains of present-day Ghana marked the culmination of this epic journey. This new land offered the prospect of autonomy and the opportunity to build a society free from the oppression they had endured. The establishment of the Anlo state in this region signifies not just a geographical relocation but the birth of a distinct socio-political entity, shaped by the shared experience of the exodus and the leadership that guided it (Nukunya, 1969, p. 12).

In conclusion, the story of Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri’s leadership in the exodus from Notsie is far more than a historical anecdote. It is a foundational narrative that encapsulates the Anlo Ewe people’s enduring spirit of resistance against tyranny, their capacity for strategic collective action, and the indispensable role of visionary and resolute leadership in achieving self-determination. Togbe Wenya and Togbe Sri are not merely figures from the past; they are potent symbols of courage, unity, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom, deeply embedded in the cultural identity and historical consciousness of the Anlo Ewe people. Their legacy continues to be recounted and revered, serving as a powerful reminder of the values that underpin their community.

References
* Amenumey, D. E. K. (1997). The Ewe in pre-colonial times: A political history. Sedco Publishing Limited.
* Gavua, K. (2007). Regionalism and national unity in Ghana. Africa World Press.
* Greene, S. E. (2002). Sacred sites and the colonial encounter in the Gold Coast. Indiana University Press.
* Nukunya, G. K. (1969). Kinship and marriage among the Anlo Ewe. The Athlone Press.

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