Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha local government area, Igwe Damian Ezeani, for conferring a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Ifeanyi Ubah.
The monarch was suspended indefinitely.
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 violating the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra State.
The Code of Conduct, according to the letter, stipulates that no monarch 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.
Parts of the suspension letter read: “We have received confirmed reports that you, as the 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 the traditional ruler of Neni until further notice.”
