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By Madu Obi
Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha local government area, Igwe Damian Ezeani from his throne indefinitely for conferring a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Recall that Senator Ubah, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is believed to be eyeing the governorship of Anambra State in 2025.
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 hails from Nnewi and it was gathered that Igwe Ezeani did not obtain permission from Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi before conferring the title on his subject.
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 untill 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"You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law."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".
The Commissioner regretted that while a vast majority of traditional rulers conduct their exalted office with dignity and integrity and stick to the Code of Conduct and directives of the Ministry, a tiny few still act recklessly and in total disregard for the Code of Conduct of their office and directives of the supervising Ministry.
He cited an example of a former traditional ruler deposed by a Court of law, went ahead to confer chieftaincy titles on 40 individuals in one day, adding that some of those conferred with the titles were people of questionable characters.
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