Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, 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.
The suspension comes in the wake of the ruler conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, sparking controversy and violating established protocols.
Neni, situated in the Anaocha Local Government Area, witnessed this unprecedented action against its traditional leader, who allegedly bestowed the title on Senator Ubah without the necessary clearances.
The lawmaker, recently joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been rumored to be eyeing the governorship election in 2025.
The suspension was formalized through a letter titled ‘Notice of suspension of your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni,’ dated January 8, 2024. Commissioner Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, signed the document, emphasizing the violation of the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers.
The statement issued by the government highlighted the importance of upholding the Code of Conduct, which prohibits traditional rulers from conferring chieftaincy titles outside their domain without permission. It also underlined the broader directive, issued by the Ministry, to prevent such actions without clearance.
The government expressed concern over a few traditional rulers abusing their authority, trading chieftaincy titles for money, tarnishing the image of the traditional institution. The suspension of Igwe Damian O. Ezeani was framed as a necessary step to maintain security, order, and good governance in the state.
The government invoked Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, to suspend the traditional ruler’s recognition until further notice. The ruler was also called upon to show cause as to why his Certificate of Recognition should not be withdrawn.
The Anambra State Government, resolute in its stand against defiance of the law and order, emphasized that such conduct would not be tolerated in the modern Anambra of today. The statement concluded with a directive for the suspended traditional ruler to cease parading himself as the leader of the Neni community, pending further developments.
