Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has presented certificates of recognition to newly elected traditional rulers of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities.
The presentation marked the first recognition of traditional rulers by the governor since the commencement of his second tenure and followed what the state government described as a rigorous and lawful selection process.
The newly recognised monarchs are Chief John Nzekwesili Nweke of Nsugbe and Chief Aethelbirth Muoka of Adazi Nnukwu.
The event was witnessed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Presidents-General of the two communities and other stakeholders.
Governor Soludo said the emergence of the monarchs followed due process, beginning at the community level and passing through the local government authorities before receiving final approval from the state government.
He charged the new traditional rulers to serve as fathers to all members of their communities, irrespective of political or personal differences.
Soludo urged them to promote peace, unity and reconciliation, stressing that traditional rulers have an important role to play in creating an environment conducive to grassroots development.
The governor acknowledged that disagreements and opposition to leadership have historically existed in communities, but urged the monarchs to work towards resolving divisions and building lasting peace.
Soludo also disclosed that the state government was working on a new Community Administration Law aimed at restructuring the administration of communities across Anambra.
According to him, the existing system, which relies heavily on voluntary associations and town unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, has contributed to rival factions and prolonged leadership disputes in some communities.
He said the proposed legislation would provide a more structured framework for community administration and help reduce conflicts over leadership and traditional rulership.
The governor called on existing traditional rulers to support and guide the newly recognised monarchs, stressing that peace remains essential to sustainable development at the grassroots.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barrister Ifeanyi Ezeaka, said 12 traditional rulers received certificates of recognition during Governor Soludo’s first tenure.
He noted that the recognised monarchs emerged through established selection procedures.
In their separate remarks, the newly recognised traditional rulers pledged to unite their people and work towards promoting peace and development in Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities.
