The embattled traditional ruler of the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Daniel Obelle, has issued an apology to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for violating the code of conduct governing the conferment of chieftaincy titles in the state.

Despite facing a court issue, the monarch, on January 4th, 2024, granted Chieftancy titles to over 40 individuals in acknowledgment of their contributions to human capital development.

The traditional ruler expressed his apology in a statement he signed and shared with reporters on Tuesday evening in Awka.

The letter read: “My attention has been drawn to a press statement by the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters., Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne alludes to some Ndi Igwe in Anambra State that recently conferred chieftaincy awards on certain personalities without clearance from the state government.

“I wish to state that as a newcomer to the royal throne of the Nawfia Community, I was not aware the existence of the circular in question. Besides. I am not a member of the State Traditional Rulers Council where the said circular was issued.

“In the peculiar circumstances. I declare my unalloyed loyalty to Mr. Governor Prof C. C. Soludo, CFR, and my unreserved apology for the omission of not obtaining his approval before conferring the chieftaincy awards on deserving citizens who were thoroughly, screened before the awards were bestowed on them.

“Sir, it’s pertinent to state that the chieftaincy awards and commendation certificates are intended to motivate and galvanize indigenes and non-indigenes of Nawfia towards community development.

“As partners in uplifting Anambra State to make it liveable and secure, Mr. Governor, kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem and respect,” he added.

On Monday, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Mr Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne, in a statement, said the Governor’s directive to suspend Traditional rulers that conferred Chieftancy titles to some persons without Government approval was in the exercise of his powers under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2020 as amended.

The release explained that the directive was because of the violation of the Traditional Rulers Code of Conduct. (The Nation)

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