The State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs of the Anambra State, a ministry in Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo Government, has suspended a traditional ruler for bestowing a chieftaincy title to Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
According to reports, the legislator for Anambra South Senatorial District, Ubah, received a title from the traditional monarch of the Neni Kingdom, H.R.H. Igwe Damian O. Ezeani.
Anaedoonline.ng is aware that Neni is located in the state’s Anaocha Local Government Area.
Remarkably, Ubah is reportedly pursuing his political ambitions and hopes to run for governor in 2025. He just defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, signed a document marked “Notice of suspension of your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni” that was given to journalists on Monday.
The letter announced the monarch’s suspension and was dated January 8, 2024. It was sent with reference number MLGCCA/HC/2022/T/025/001/103.
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Anambra State’s Commissioner of Police and Director of the Department of State Services.
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The said statement, according to The PUNCH, reads: “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.
“Among other reasons, this regulation 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.
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“A vast majority of traditional rulers conduct their exalted office with dignity and integrity and stick to the Code of Conduct and directives of the Ministry.
“However, a tiny few still act recklessly and in total disregard for the Code of Conduct of their office and directives of the supervising Ministry.
“For example, a few days ago, a former traditional ruler deposed by a Court of law went ahead to confer phantom Chieftaincy titles on 40 individuals in one day (some with questionable characters).”
The state government has declared that such behaviour is not acceptable, emphasizing that it represents bold defiance of both law and order, as well as directives issued by lawful authorities.
This kind of conduct, it stressed, cannot be tolerated in the modern Anambra of today.
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“We have received confirmed reports that you, as the traditional ruler of Neni, conferred such a phantom Chieftaincy title today 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 until 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.
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“In the meantime, you are advised, in your interest, to stop parading yourself forthwith, as the traditional ruler of the Neni community. Please accept the assurances of my regards,” the statement added.
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