By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Government has advised traditional rulers in the state to adhere strictly to the State Traditional Laws and avoid any untoward actions that could contravene the provisions of the law.

This was contained in a statement signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to acknowledge government’s receipt of apology from three monarchs for contravening state laws on conferment of chieftaincy titles.

The traditional rulers include, Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area.

The traditional rulers in their apology also withdrew and cancelled the chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

News Express reports that the traditional rulers during the Yuletide conferred different traditional titles to the Senator representing Anambra South at the National Assembly, but got into trouble as a result and were suspended.

The statement reads: “It has come to the attention of Anambra State Government that Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area have respectively apologized to Anambra State Government and withdrawn and cancelled the phantom chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as it contravenes the State Traditional Rulers’ Law.

“This action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ Code, which outlines the rules and regulations regarding the granting and revocation of chieftaincy titles.

“Consequently, the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni and Dike Eji Eje Ogu earlier bestowed on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have been withdrawn and cancelled by the three Igwes.

“This was contained in their respective letters of apology to the State Government which also confirmed the withdrawal and cancellation of the Chieftaincy titles which they variously described as nullity.

“However, it is instructive to note that traditional rulers are kindly advised to adhere strictly to the State Traditional laws and avoid any untoward actions that could contravene the provisions of the law.”

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