Anambra State Govt Suspends Traditional Ruler Of Neni Over Chieftaincy Title

CHUKA UBAH 

The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha local government, H.R.H Igwe Damian O. Ezeani.

In a letter dated 8th January, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner of local government, chieftaincy and community affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the following was given as reason for the suspension; “We have received confirmed reports that you, as 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 untill further notice”.

The suspension letter went on to say; “You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your Certificate of Recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law.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”.

It will be recalled that the suspended traditional leader had earlier in his place, on Monday, 8th January, 2024, conferred Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah with the traditional title of Odenjinji Neni.