Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani as the traditional ruler of Neni community in Anoacha Local Government Area of the state, for honouring Senator Ifeanyi Ubah with a chieftaincy title.
A release signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne, said the governor’s directive is in exercise of his powers under Section two (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2020 as amended.
The release also required Igwe Ezeani to show why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law and advised him to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of Neni community.
The release further explained that the suspension was due to the violation of Traditional Rulers code of conduct.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra State provides that no traditional ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone outside his community without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient community and clearance from the ministry.
The release explained that the regulations and measures are to, among other things, prevent abuses and trading of chieftaincy titles for money thereby bringing the traditional institution to disrepute.
Meanwhile, Igwe Ezeani, has tendered apology to Governor Soludo over the conferment of chieftaincy title on Senator Ubah, alongside other dignitaries.
The monarch said he did that out of ignorance of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2020 as amended.
He begged Soludo to temper justice with mercy, noting that the governor’s forgiveness will further sustain the already existing peace and unity Neni community is known for since he ascended the throne 23 years ago.
Briefing journalists on the new development at his palace in Neni, the traditional ruler said he did that out of ignorance, noting that he did not know that a law to that effect was amended in 2020.
“I did not confer the chieftaincy titles on Senator Ubah and others on political ground as being speculated in different quarters, but based on their services to humanity.
“I was shocked when I received the suspension letter from someone via WhatsApp message,” the monarch said.
