The Avornyotse family of Kpando-Gadza has publicly reaffirmed its historical lineage and longstanding place within the community, while announcing plans to pursue formal traditional and legal processes concerning ongoing discussions surrounding the Nyornufia institution in the area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the family described itself as one of the oldest and most distinguished families in Gadza, tracing its presence in the community back more than four centuries.
The statement comes amid increasing debate over the historical origins and succession narratives associated with the Nyornufia institution, a matter that has generated discussion among sections of the community in recent years.
According to the family, attempts by some individuals to question its origins and historical standing have prompted the decision to publicly restate its position.
“The Avornyotse family knows its history and lineage,” the statement declared, adding that the family’s historical record includes generations of achievement in public service, education, law, journalism, architecture, accounting and the military.
The family cited what it described as a long tradition of service extending from the pre-independence era to the present day, including the production of senior military officers, lawyers, journalists, architects, chartered accountants and public servants.
Central to the family’s statement are claims regarding the origins of the Nyornufia institution in Kpando-Gadza.
The Avornyotse family maintains that the first Nyornufia of Gadza, known as Gaga, was directly connected to the Avornyotse lineage.
According to the family’s account, Gaga, wife of Sortor—the original custodian of the Kodzago Stool, was a sister of the Avornyotse brothers and the mother of Sortor’s children.
The statement further asserts that when the office of Nyornufia became formally recognised in Gadza, Gaga was selected as its first occupant and that the institution subsequently evolved through matrilineal connections linked to the Avornyotse family.
These historical claims, however, form part of a broader debate within the community and may be interpreted differently by other families and traditional stakeholders.
The family expressed concern over what it described as efforts to reinterpret established historical narratives.
“What is concerning is not that history is being discussed or debated—debate itself is legitimate, but that attempts have been made to redefine established narratives and present relatively recent positions as historical certainty,” the statement said.
The family argued that historical traditions should not be altered to suit contemporary interests and called for what it described as an honest engagement with the historical record.
The Avornyotse family said it intends to seek clarification through recognised traditional and legal avenues.
According to the statement, a formal petition will be submitted to the relevant authorities to allow the matter to be examined based on historical records, customary practice and established tradition.
The family also addressed its own members, urging them to approach disagreements responsibly and with respect for family heritage.
“The Avornyotse family has never been known to remain silent on matters of principle and will not stand aside while attempts are made to lay claim to what the family believes is unsupported by historical facts and customary understanding,” the statement said.
The statement concluded with a call for respect for both history and tradition.
“History deserves respect. Tradition deserves honesty. Enough of the distortions.”
The release was issued by the Avornyotse family in Kpando-Gadza on 12 June 2026.
