Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has suspended the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Damian Ezeani, in the Anaocha local government area of the state indefinitely.

The reason, The Nation, gathered was that Igwe Damian Ezeani conferred a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to challenge his governorship in 2025.

The state government, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Hon. Collins Nwabunwanne, said that the monarch did not get permission to do such.

One of the leaders in Neni, who spoke with The Nation Tuesday, January 9, but preferred anonymity, said Soludo’s annoyance was that the monarch conferred on Ubah (Odenjinji- meaning like a tornado).

Senator Ubah and Senator Uche Ekwunife have not hidden their interest in contesting the governorship election in 2025 on a joint ticket.

The arrangement had already unsettled the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) team in the state, including the governor.

However, the statement by the government, signed by Nwabunwanne, said the order as well as directives by lawful authorities could not be tolerated in the new Anambra of today.

The statement read: “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 © 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“You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your Certificate of Recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law.

“In the meantime, you are advised in your own interest, to stop parading yourself forthwith, as the traditional ruler of the Neni community.

“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.” (The Nation)

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