The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has voiced his dissatisfaction over the ongoing controversy surrounding the conferment of a chieftaincy title upon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the representative of Anambra South senatorial zone.
The controversy gained momentum
when the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy
Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, acting on the directive of Governor
Chukwuma Soludo, issued a letter last week suspending the traditional ruler of
Neni Community, Igwe Damian Ezeani, for conferring the title on Senator Ubah.
In the official letter,
Nwabunwanne alleged that some traditional rulers were granting titles to
unscrupulous personalities, questioning Senator Ubah's status by describing him
as unknown. Following this, two other monarchs who also conferred titles on
Ubah issued public apologies.
Expressing his displeasure with
the suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani, the Obi of Onitsha penned a letter to the
commissioner, accusing the Soludo government of lacking regard for traditional
monarchs. In the communication, Achebe stated, "Your reference to a
second-term Right Honorable Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria as 'one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah' is most disrespectful, offensive, and
unbecoming of one holding a political office as Commissioner."
Achebe highlighted Senator
Ubah's qualifications, including his election to federal office and the
chieftaincy title conferred upon him by his hometown. He questioned the
severity of the suspension imposed on Igwe Damian Ezeani, suggesting that other
factors might be at play.
Blaming the commissioner for
mishandling the situation, Achebe accused the Soludo government of displaying
poor regard for traditional rulers in the state. He stated, "Your handling
of this matter of conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles is the apogee of
the progressive dehumanization and dismantling of the traditional institution
of Anambra State by the present administration."
Achebe emphasized the esteemed
position of traditional rulers in society, highlighting their contributions to
peace, security, and development. He concluded by urging the government to
exercise its executive power with sensitivity and humaneness towards those
governed, respecting the dignity of the traditional institution in the
democratic dispensation.
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