Recently, the state of Anambra reinstated Igwe Damian Ezeani, the suspended traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area. The government made this decision after the traditional ruler was suspended on January 8 for violating the Chieftaincy Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the state has chosen to extend forgiveness to two other traditional rulers, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto and Igwe Felix Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu, who had also breached the Anambra traditional rulers Code of Conduct. The forgiveness was granted following their formal apologies to the government in response to the queries issued to them.
These decisions were announced by Mr. Christian Aburime, the media aide to Governor Charles Soludo, in Awka on Wednesday. The government arrived at these conclusions during a meeting with traditional rulers, part of its ongoing consultations with stakeholders to review government activities.
Governor Soludo, during the meeting, outlined his past achievements and appealed for continued support to achieve more. He urged traditional rulers to provide maximum support to his administration under the Public-Private-Community Development Programme, a strategic initiative for the rapid growth of the state.
Soludo also pointed out that the current composition of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council violates the law, specifically Section 2(F) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law (2020). The law stipulates that the council’s members should not exceed 36, drawn from the 21 local government areas and the three senatorial districts. With the current 52-member composition, the council is considered illegal.
To address this issue of illegality, a committee comprising five traditional rulers and appointed government officials will be established to consider necessary amendments to the law, according to the decisions made at the meeting.
Ninety-four traditional rulers attended the meeting, where the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ solidarity with the government’s efforts to transform Anambra into a liveable homeland.
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, assured traditional rulers of the government’s cordial relationship with them. He clarified that the suspension and queries issued to the traditional rulers were in line with maintaining law and order in the state.
In response, traditional rulers requested regular meetings with the governor, suggesting that these meetings should occur twice a year.