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By Madu Obi
The Anambra State government has warned an Awka Chief, Augustine Ndigwe to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka, reminding him that it is a criminal offence to do so.
The warning came on the heels of a plan by Ndigwe, popularly known as Ozo Gidigbam Gidigbam, to celebrate the New Yam festival in Awka as the traditional ruler of the town.
Recall that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had in 2022, despatched a detachment of the police and army to seal Ndigwe's palace during his attempt to celebrate the community’s new yam festival as the traditional ruler of the town after announcing himself as the monarch.
The security operatives had to chase away guests who were already assembled for the ceremony with teargas canisters.
The state government subsequently issued a strong warning to him to stop parading himself as a traditional ruler or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
This year again, it was gathered that he had concluded plans to celebrate the festival in disobedience to the government directive, prompting the government to issue a statement in that regard.
The statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Paul Nwosu reminded Ndigwe that by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007, it is a criminal offence for any person not recognized as a traditional ruler to claim so.
According to government, the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka.
The statement read in part: "It has come to the attention of Anambra State government that one Augustine 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.
"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is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka whose recognition by the state government has not been withdrawn and he is the only one empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the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 Augustine 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."
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