The National Confederation of Traditional Priests of Togo (CNPTT) celebrated its tenth anniversary on Saturday March 18, 2023, in Lomé. The event was marked by a worship event giving the opportunity to the various groups present to demonstrate their spiritual strength on the grounds of the Regional Center for Road Maintenance (CERFER). The essence of the message conveyed is to preserve the union for the valorization of ancestral practices. THE « Egoun egoun » from Benin enhanced by their performance, the brilliance of this celebration which attracted a crowd of passers-by, in particular the taxi-motorbike drivers, who sacrificed their day, just for the pleasure of the eyes.
Togbui Gnagblodjo III (3rd from the left) surrounded by administrative and traditional authorities.
According to the Holy Scriptures, especially in the book of Daniel in chapter 2 verse 47, “… God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings…”. Priests and priestesses are aware of this and always give first place to this supreme God in their ritual and worship practices, by appealing to his greatness. It is therefore by a prayer addressed to God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth » that the National Confederation of Traditional Priests of Togo (CNPTT) has started the festivities marking the 10e anniversary of its existence. After having implored the mercy and grace of the Lord on the Togolese people and their leaders, the priests prayed to the spirits of the ancestors to work for the preservation of the peace hard-hit recently in Togo by terrorist attacks in North of the country. This opening prayer gave way to the demonstration itself, which took place under the gaze of local and administrative authorities, guests and several curious people who stormed the site of the Regional Center for Road Maintenance ( CERFER) in Lomé, fitted out for the occasion. In a symbiosis, the various groups from certain localities of the country namely: Akoumapé, Kouvé, Kara, Atakpamé, Agoè-Nyivé, Amoutiévé, … offered a beautiful show to the public through their performances thus testifying, their true return to the sources . To the sound of the tom-toms, the followers of Voodoo and the siren (mammisis) just let themselves go to the rhythm of the sounds of Blékété, Touméhou, Agbadja, Gazou, etc. In this ritual, the ” gods “ convents have even taken possession of the bodies of certain dancers who have entered a trance, executing majestic steps, sometimes pledging allegiance to their elders. Others, who have fainted, are immediately transported to tents set up on the site for libation ceremonies, in order to bring them back to their normal state. Came to support their congeners from Amoutiévé, the « Egoun-égoun from Benin, in their ceremonial outfits, amazed the public who, one would say, was hoping for such moments to rub shoulders with ancestral practices and be better informed about the role of spiritualists.
A group in full demonstration.
Promote unity, solidarity to preserve peace and fight against terrorism
In his speech, the President of the CNPTT, Togbui Assiobo Gnagblodjo III, paid a deserved tribute to the Head of State for his unconditional support and efforts for peace. To this end, he urged the followers of the deities to adopt good behavior and be united to assert their rights, in order to ensure the credibility of their practices. According to him, the priests and priestesses who are guarantors of customs and traditions must be people who respect the rules of life to the point of being an example for their communities. Unfortunately, some of these witch doctors, occult specialists in the treatment of spiritual diseases come to break the laws and are subject to arrest, he lamented. Togbui Gnagblodjo III invited them to proscribe these bad habits and promote union and reunification between the different associations. This is one of the sine qua non conditions for guaranteeing and promoting traditional values. He also welcomed the positive results of the activities carried out by the confederation during the ten years of existence, particularly at school and extracurricular level. The objective is to promote the education and learning of girls in their community. The federation has also made a big step forward, limiting the duration of the stay of girls in the brood to one month, in order to allow them to return to school or enter an apprenticeship. ” What was not done before said Togbui Gnagblodjo III.
Speaking on behalf of the prefects of the Gulf and Agoè-Nyivé, Mr. Joseph Kazandou insisted on the importance of unity and solidarity between the different associations for more efficiency in the work. Addressing the members of the confederation, he assured them of the readiness of the authorities to support them in their work, so that they contribute to the fight against violent extremism and terrorism which undermine the integrity of the country.
Patouani BATCHMLA
