The Anambra State Government has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni Community, Igwe Ugonabo, His Royal Highness Damian Ezeani, for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represents Anambra South District.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, communicated the suspension in a letter to the traditional ruler, dated January 8. Copies of the letter were sent to the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State and the Director of the State Security Service.
The letter pointed out that the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra State prohibits traditional rulers from conferring chieftaincy titles on individuals from outside their community without obtaining permission from the recipient’s community ruler. Additionally, the state government, for reasons of security, order, and good governance, has issued a directive that no such titles should be conferred without clearance from the Ministry of Local Government.
The commissioner emphasized that this regulation aims to prevent abuses, including the trading of chieftaincy titles for money, which has brought traditional institutions into disrepute. In response to the reported violation, Igwe Ugonabo has been suspended from his role as the traditional ruler of Neni until further notice, in accordance with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020.
The traditional ruler has been instructed to provide reasons why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn, as per the Traditional Rulers Law. In the interim, he is advised to refrain from presenting himself as the traditional ruler of Neni Community.
