The state government would not tolerate the actions of Ndigwe which could lead to breakdown of order in Awka, Commissioner for Information Paul Nwosu said in a statement on Saturday.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has threatened to open criminal charges if Augustin Ndigwe alias Uzu Awka continues parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka.
The state government would not tolerate the actions of Ndigwe which could lead to breakdown of order in Awka, Commissioner for Information Paul Nwosu said in a statement on Saturday.
The statement noted that Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II is the recognised traditional ruler of Awka.
“It has come to the attention of Anambra State Government that one Augustin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe alias Uzu Awka is still parading himself as the authentic traditional ruler of Awka. Not only that, he is also taking steps to perform one of the major harvest season’s traditional rites known as New Yam Festival or ‘Iwa ji’ of the Awka people, thereby threatening the peace and tranquility of the town. The State Government will not tolerate this.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government wishes to state emphatically that the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka whose recognition by the State Government has not been withdrawn and he is the only one empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka. It is a criminal offence for any other person to do so by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007
“The said Augustin Ndigwe is not the recognized Traditional ruler of Awka and should henceforth desist from parading and portraying himself as the Traditional Ruler of Awka or attempting to usurp the rights of the legitimate and duly recognized Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu. Any such unlawful act in any part of Anambra State would not be condoned by the Anambra State Government and the State will not hesitate to sanction the impostor according to the relevant laws of Anambra State,” the statement said.
