Truce As Anambra Gov Soludo Pardons Traditional Rulers

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for Four monarchs in Anambra state including Obi of Onitsha that incurred the wrath of Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

The governor reconciled with the Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe after a spat over traditional rulers, and reinstated the suspended traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani.

The Monarch, among others, were alleged to have conferred unauthorized chieftaincy titles on some persons, especially Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ubah is believed to be preparing to challenge Soludo for the governorship seat in 2025.

Following the suspension and other issues, Igwe Achebe wrote a long letter, condemning Soludo, accusing him of having no regard for traditional institution in the state, which led to his suspension as chairman traditional rulers council.

A statement in Awka on Wednesday, the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, said Soludo reinstated the suspended Neni monarch and forgave two others for their alleged infractions.

He said the governor made public his decision to pardon the affected monarchs at a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 traditional rulers.

Aburime said while Igwe Ezeani was reinstated, the monarchs of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were forgiven after apologies.

Aburime said the governor also addressed some of the welfare issues of the monarchs.

According to him: “The Governor announced that with the apologies of the affected Traditional Rulers, the State government accepts their apologies, and subsequently reinstates the Traditional Ruler of Neni, and forgive 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 requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.”