As Anambra gears up for a governorship election next year, there are indications that politicking has commenced in the state.
This is following an order of the Anambra State government to suspend the traditional ruler of Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Igwe Damian Ezeani, for bestowing a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah had within the yuletide been bestowed with the title of Odenjinji of Neni, a title which Soludo is also known to hold from his Isuofia community.
A letter by Anambra commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne suspending the monarch accused him of not seeking clearance from the state government before bestowing titles on people, including ‘persons with questionable character’.
The commissioner said: “The Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra provides that no traditional ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone from outside his domain without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community.
“This is to curtail observed abuses including a growing trend whereby a minority of traditional rulers have demonstrated a penchant for trading chieftaincy titles for money thereby bringing the traditional institution to ridicule and disrepute.
“This brazen disregard for law and order as well as directives by lawful authorities cannot be tolerated in the new Anambra of today.
“We have received confirmed reports that you conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the code of conduct and without clearance from the Ministry. Your action is an affront to order and good governance.
“In the light of the, above, I am directed to inform you that Mr. Governor has in the exercise of his powers suspended your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni untill further notice.”
