By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has sacked the monarch of Umuona community, in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state, HRH Humphrey Ejesieme.

Umuona is a neighbouring community to the Governor’s Isuofia town, also in Aguata Council Area.

Sequel to his sack, the government had withdrawn the certificate of recognition issued to the erstwhile traditional ruler, saying that the action was in accordance with Section 10(b) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ (Amendment) Law 2020.

It also said the certificate withdrawal was pursuant to allegations of activities of the former Traditional Ruler and his meddlesomeness in the leadership of Umuona Progressive Union, which contributed to breach of peace in the community.

A signed statement by the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, explained that there were reports of gross misconduct including the invasion of the Annual General meeting of the Town union with armed thugs on December 28, 2022.

He added: “By then, his role in the dissolution of the duly elected Town Union executives and subsequent set up of a caretaker Committee, which he personally inaugurated and sworn into office, gave impetus to the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition.

“Such an act had in no small measure contributed to serious division, instability and threat to peace in the Community.”

While stressing that the Ministry and stakeholders had on several occasions urged him to retrace his steps to no avail, Nwabunwanne noted that in order to ensure peace and stability in the Community, the Ministry issued a warning letter to him on December 30, 2022.

According to him, it is now a criminal offence by virtue of sections 19 and 20 of Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2007, for him to carry out any of the functions of the traditional ruler of Umuona or address himself as such.

He noted that the President General of Umuona, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Transition Committee Chairman for Aguata Local Government Area, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, among others, were copied and put on notice of the development.

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