The traditional rulers of Aguluezechukwu, Neni, and Ojoto in Anambra State, in a stunning turn of events, have withdrawn the chieftaincy titles they recently bestowed upon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South.
The monarchs, Igwe F.E. Ebelendu, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian, and Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, took this unprecedented action, as revealed in a statement by the Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime.
The move follows the Anambra State government’s suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni Kingdom, who initially conferred a chieftaincy title on Senator Ubah.
The suspension was based on a violation of the code of conduct for traditional rulers.
According to Aburime, the action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code.
The statement emphasized, “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the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni and Dike Eji Eje Ogu earlier bestowed on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have been withdrawn and cancelled by the three Igwes.”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 act is seen as a nullification of the chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ubah during the last December Ofala and cultural festivals.
The traditional rulers offered their apologies to the Anambra State Government in letters that acknowledged the withdrawal and cancellation of the chieftaincy titles, deeming them a nullity.
The Anambra State Government reminded traditional rulers to strictly adhere to state laws, cautioning against actions that could contravene these provisions.
As reported by MUK TV, Senator Ubah responded to the suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani earlier, attributing it to political motives.
He stated, “I am not the only person that received a chieftaincy title. Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, was honoured within the same period; Vice President Kashim Shettima was also honoured; Mr President was honoured in absentia. Why is my own different?
“The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.”
