Accra, Ghana – April 23, 2025 — As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marked its 50th anniversary with celebrations in Accra, a distinguished voice from traditional class called for a deeper form of regional unity—one that goes beyond governments and includes the custodians of Africa’s cultural heritage.
His Eminence, Dèdè (Dr.) Félix W.Y. Eke-Metoho, Paramount Ruler of the Togbui Deguini Adela Akpaxlin Clan of the Ancient Kingdom of Tado in Togo, used the golden jubilee to advocate for a bold new vision: the formal integration of traditional rulers into ECOWAS decision-making structures.
As the Representative Coordinator of the Association of Traditional Rulers for Integration in West Africa (ATRIWA), Dèdè Eke-Metoho extended greetings to ECOWAS leadership and citizens for five decades of regional progress, but emphasized the need for deeper grassroots engagement in the decades to come.
“ECOWAS has laid a strong foundation for unity—through peacekeeping, free movement, and economic growth,” he said. “Now it must evolve from an ‘ECOWAS of States’ to an ‘ECOWAS of People’—and traditional rulers are key to that transformation.”
Dèdè Eke-Metoho praised ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 strategy, which seeks inclusive development, peace, and prosperity across the region. However, he argued that achieving these ambitious goals requires consultation with grassroots institutions, particularly royal and customary leaders who hold deep trust within communities.
He noted that ATRIWA has committed to grassroots sensitization, encouraging public participation in ECOWAS initiatives and development programs. “Our palaces are centers of mediation, culture, and identity. We are already doing the work of regional integration at the community level,” he said.
The king also urged ECOWAS to remove colonial-era barriers that continue to restrict the free movement of people and goods. “We must turn artificial borders into bridges of unity,” he said, echoing the aspirations of many West Africans seeking a borderless regional identity.
Addressing the controversial withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, Dèdè Eke-Metoho emphasized diplomacy over division. He called for intensified dialogue to bring the breakaway states back into the fold for the sake of peace and regional stability.
He further applauded the ECOWAS Parliament’s efforts to enhance its powers and evolve into a democratically elected body that represents the true voice of West African citizens.
“Let the people speak, not just through their presidents, but also through their traditional rulers, elected representatives, and community voices,” he said.
In closing, the king reaffirmed ATRIWA’s support for ECOWAS and its commitment to West African unity. “Long live ECOWAS. Long live integration and unity in West Africa,” he declared.
