By Ayodele Oni
In what is perceived as politics taken too far, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has suspended a Monarch, allegedly, for conferring chieftaincy title on his political opponent.
The Traditional Ruler of Neni community, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was punished by the Governor for alleged breach of Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers.
The suspension came few hours after the Traditional Ruler conferred a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress, (APC), a step perceived as preparation to challenge Soludo in the upcoming election.
The suspension was announced by the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne.
The Traditional Ruler is conferred the chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without adhering to the established Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra.
The code was issued by the Traditional Rulers, and mandates them to obtain permission from the Traditional Ruler of the recipient’s community and clearance from the Ministry.
According to the letter “We have received confirmed reports that you, as 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 Traditional Ruler of Neni untill further notice.
“You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your Certificate of Recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law.
“In the meantime, you are advised in your own interest, to stop parading yourself forthwith, as the Traditional Ruler of Neni community.
“This regulation aims to prevent the misuse of such titles and to ensure the dignity of the traditional institutions is maintained.”
The Commissioner further stated that it has been observed that a minority of Traditional Rulers have engaged in the practice of trading chieftaincy titles for monetary gains, an act that has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the esteemed traditional institution.
