Paul Ahyi, the celebrated Togolese sculptor and artist widely known as Adje, has died. He was 74 years old. His passing was confirmed by cultural authorities in Togo and reported by multiple international news agencies on March 24, 2026.
Born in 1951, Adje studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He returned to Togo to become one of the nation's most prominent visual artists. He was renowned for his large-scale bronze and stone sculptures, which often explored themes related to African identity, spirituality, and communal life.
His monumental works are installed in public squares, government buildings, and cultural institutions across Lomé and in several other West African capitals. Adje also contributed significantly to the design of national monuments and currency. His art is held in international collections, and he received numerous awards for his cultural contributions.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Tributes have poured in from across the African art world, honoring him as a master craftsman and a pivotal figure in post-colonial African art. Plans for a state funeral are underway.
