Unauthorized Chieftaincy Title Conferred To Sen. Ubah has continued to generate media discuss as the Governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo CFR, exercised his executive powers contained in section 2 (c) of the amended Anambra State Traditional Ruler’s Law 2020 suspended with immediate effect the Traditional Ruler of Neni Community, Igwe Damian Ezeani.
Governor Soludo’s pronouncement was contained in a press release issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne dated January 8, 2024 and addressed to the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Ezeani Damian O.
According to the statement, the suspension stemmed from the alleged breach of code of conduct for Traditional Rulers in the state by Igwe Ezeani.
” The Code of conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra (issued by the Traditional Rulers) provides that no traditional Ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone outside his domain (his community) without obtaining permission of the traditional Ruler of the recipients community. Furthermore, in the interest of security, order and good governance of the state, the state government has equally in addition to the code of conduct issued a directive through this ministry to the effect that no such chieftaincy title should be conferred by a traditional ruler on a recipient outside his town/community without obtaining clearance from the ministry “.
Continuing the statement read in part, ” We have received confirmed reports that you, as a traditional ruler of Neni conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title today on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the code of conduct and without clearance from the ministry “.
” In the light of the above, and for order and good governance, I am directed to inform you that Mr Governor in the exercise of his powers under section 2 (c) of the Anambra Traditional Rulers (amendment) law 2020, suspended your recognition as the Traditional Ruler of Neni until further notice ”
The statement further directed him to show course why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (amendment) law 2020