Eight Anambra Monarchs Risk Suspension Over Title Conferment



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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