By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Anambra suspends monarch over chieftaincy title to Ubah
In a significant development, the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni Kingdom, H.R.H Igwe Damian O. Ezeani, for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The suspension, outlined in a letter, cited a breach of the traditional rulers’ Code of Conduct and the state government’s directive regarding chieftaincy titles outside the recipient’s community.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, emphasized the need to curtail abuses and maintain the dignity of the traditional institution. The suspension, exercised under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, is pending further investigation.
The letter stated, “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.” The suspended monarch is required to show cause for retaining his Certificate of Recognition, and until then, he is advised to refrain from parading himself as the traditional ruler of Neni.