The Anambra State government is reportedly considering the suspension of eight traditional rulers within the state due to allegations of indiscriminate conferment of chieftaincy titles on undeserving and controversial individuals, according to a reliable source.
His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr.
Daniel Ogochukwu Obelle, the traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka
Local Government Area, publicly apologized to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for
violating the code of conduct governing the conferment of chieftaincy titles in
the state.
An anonymous source revealed
that one monarch, who conferred chieftaincy titles on over 72 individuals in a
single day in a community in Orumba South Local Government Area, is on the
verge of suspension. This particular monarch is said to have been at odds with
high chiefs for conferring the 'Odenigbo 1' title without consulting a
prominent philanthropist who had previously received the same title.
The source also mentioned that
the monarch's close association with Ifeanyi Ubah and his support for Governor
Soludo's political opponent could be contributing factors to the state
government's scrutiny.
In another community in Njikoka
Local Government Area, where the government had declared the stool vacant due
to a pending court case, one of the claimants reportedly conferred chieftaincy
titles on 40 individuals in defiance of government directives.
Similar infractions were
reported in Idemili Local Government Area, where a monarch has already faced
consequences and issued an apology for his actions. Additionally, an older
monarch was allegedly deceived into conferring a controversial chieftaincy
title on a gubernatorial aspirant in the state.
Igwe Obelle of Nawfia, who conferred chieftaincy titles on over 40 philanthropists, issued a press statement apologizing for not obtaining approval from the state government before the awards. He expressed loyalty to Governor Soludo and emphasized that the awards aimed to motivate community development.
A release from the state
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr.
Nwabunwanne, stated that the governor's directive to suspend traditional rulers
aligns with Section 2(C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2020, as
amended. The release explained that such conferments contradict the Traditional
Rulers’ Code of Conduct, requiring permission from the traditional ruler of the
recipient’s community and clearance from the ministry.
In response to the
developments, Chinedu Obigwe, the National Coordinator of All Progressives
Grand Alliance, commended Governor Soludo for bringing sanity to traditional
institutions. He condemned the reckless conferment of chieftaincy titles and
urged traditional rulers to adhere to the code of conduct.
Obigwe specifically criticized
Ifeanyi Ubah for allegedly buying chieftaincy titles and accused the Neni
traditional ruler of ignoring warnings from the Ministry of Local Government
and Chieftaincy Matters. He emphasized that the disciplinary action taken
against the Neni traditional ruler should not be politicized.
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