By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Government has declared that the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani, has no authority to determine membership or regulate the internal affairs of Nze na Ozo and Nkuluofor title societies in the community.
The government maintained that the societies were independent, sacred and voluntary cultural associations whose membership and initiation processes must be governed by their respective internal rules and procedures.
The position was contained in a letter dated October 16, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka, and addressed to the traditional ruler, President-General of Neni Town Union and the entire Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area.
The letter, titled, ‘Nze na Ozo Society and Nkuluofor Crisis in Neni Community’, followed a protracted chieftaincy crisis bordering on the processes of taking the Nze na Ozo title and membership of Nkuluofor in the community.
The government specifically stated that although the traditional ruler remained the custodian of the community’s culture and traditions, such responsibility did not confer on him the power to personally administer or interfere in the internal affairs of the title societies.
It stated that decisions on who should be initiated into the Nze na Ozo society must be determined strictly by the society’s established initiation rules, without external interference.
The commissioner further emphasised the constitutional right to freedom of association, noting that individuals were entitled to choose the Nze na Ozo society they wished to belong to, provided they met its membership requirements.
According to the government, nobody could be compelled to belong to any Nze na Ozo society against his will, while members equally retained the freedom to leave any society of their choice.
“There is also a freedom to exit the society. These are principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated.
The government consequently urged the traditional ruler, town union leadership and residents of Neni to be guided by the directives.
Copies of the letter were also sent to all village chairmen in Neni community.
