Igwe Ezeani did not obtain permission from Igwe Orizu of Nnewi before conferring a chieftaincy title on his subject, Ifeanyi Ubah, the government said.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani, indefinitely for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
A letter addressed to the embattled monarch by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Town Union Matters, Collins Nwabunwanne, accused Igwe Ezeani of breaching the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra State, which stipulates that no traditional ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone from outside his domain without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community.
Ubah, who represents Anambra South at the Senate, hails from Nnewi. It was gathered that Igwe Ezeani did not obtain permission from Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi before conferring the title on his subject.
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Part of the suspension letter reads: “We have received confirmed reports that you, as traditional ruler of Neni, conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the Code of Conduct and without clearance from the Ministry. “Whether or not your action was for pecuniary reasons as being insinuated in many quarters is irrelevant. What is important is that your action is an affront to order and good governance.
“In the light of the above, and for order and good governance, I am directed to inform you that Mr. Governor has in the exercise of his powers under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, suspended your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni until further notice.
“You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law.
“In the meantime, you are advised in your own interest, to stop parading yourself forthwith, as the traditional ruler of Neni community.”