By Adadareporters
The traditional ruler of Neni community in Anambra State, HRH Igwe Damian O. Ezeani, has been suspended for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Uba, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress.
It was gathered that the state government suspended the royal father shortly after he conferred the chieftaincy title on Ubah.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, said the conferment was done without adhering to the established Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra, which mandates obtaining permission from the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community and clearance from the ministry.
He said, “This regulation aims to prevent the misuse of such titles and to ensure the dignity of the traditional institutions is maintained. The Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra (issued by the traditional rulers) provides that no traditional ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone from outside his domain (his community) without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community.
“Furthermore, in the interest of security, order and good governance of the state, the state government has equally in addition to the Code of Conduct issued a directive through this ministry to the effect that no such chieftaincy title should be conferred by a traditional ruler on a recipient outside his town/community without obtaining clearance from the ministry.”
He said it was 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’.
The suspension letter continued, “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.”
