Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reinstated three traditional rulers who were suspended for conferring unauthorised chieftaincy titles on certain individuals, including the senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
One of the affected traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was particularly suspended for conferring chieftaincy title on Ubah.
The suspension of the monarchs generated controversies across the state, which necessitated the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, accusing the governor, in an open letter to the state government, of not respecting traditional institutions in the state.
Achebe also condemned the suspension of Igwe Ezeani of Neni by the state government.
But in a statement on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, said the governor had reinstated the suspended Neni monarch, and forgave two others of their infractions.
Aburime said the governor forgave the traditional rulers’ trespasses in a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 monarchs.
He said the meeting was held on Tuesday at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Aburime said while the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Ezeani, was reinstated, those of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were forgiven of their infractions, following their apologies, adding that the governor also addressed some of the welfares of the state monarchs.
He said, “The governor also magnanimously addressed some of their welfare issues. The governor announced that the state government accepts the apologies of the affected traditional rulers, and subsequently reinstated the traditional ruler of Neni, and forgave the traditional rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.
“Mr Governor further clarified the legal status of the Igwe Nawfia as advised by his legal team.
“As part of the vote of thanks, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto who gave the votes of thanks requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor, which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.
“The meeting ended on a high note with the traditional leaders having photo sessions with Mr Governor.
“The meeting of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers was convened by Mr Governor to meet with the traditional rulers as part of a consultative meeting with stakeholders to review progress.”
This is part of the lineup of events in the New Year, which began with a retreat for members of the State Executive Council, followed by engagements with Ndi Anambra in Lagos and the Consular-General of the US Embassy.
“About 94 traditional rulers were in attendance, despite the short notice.”
At the meeting, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, in his opening remarks strongly reaffirmed the unalloyed solidarity and support of the traditional rulers for the government of Professor Soludo and assured the government that the traditional rulers stand ready to partner with the government in all its efforts to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland.
“He also expressed the wish that some of the issues pertaining to the suspension of some traditional rulers and the controversies of the last few days arising therefrom be put to a rest.
“He requested that there were other issues that the traditional rulers wish to bring to the government, and further expressed a desire to have another forum after the meeting to discuss these issues, including the welfare of the traditional rulers. He further requested for a meeting with government officials to discuss other issues of mutual interest.”
In his address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, assured the traditional rulers that government holds them in high esteem, and look forward to continuing working with them closely.
Nwabunwanne tried to clarify some of the issues leading to the suspension of a traditional ruler and query of two others, assuring them that this was all in the spirit of ensuring law and order in the state.
He also highlighted the concerns of some traditional rulers over the composition of member of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, informing that such concerns and similar issues are being looked into by government.
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