Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni community, has been suspended by the Anambra state government for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without proper authorization.
According to Premium Times, Neni, situated in Anaocha Local Government Area, witnessed the controversial conferment of the title “Odenjinji Neni” on Senator Ubah by the traditional ruler hours before news of his suspension emerged.
In a letter addressed to Ezeani and copied to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Security Service, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwanunwanne, highlighted that the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in the State strictly prohibits the conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals from outside their community without permission.
The commissioner stressed that the government has taken steps to prevent such actions, citing the regulation as a means to curb perceived abuses and prevent the trading of chieftaincy titles for financial gains, which has been bringing traditional institutions into disrepute.
“We have received confirmed reports that you, as the traditional ruler of Nneni, conferred such a phantom chieftaincy today (Monday) on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the Code of Conduct and without clearance the ministry,” Mr. Nwabunwanne told the traditional ruler.”
Due to the reported violation of these regulations, the government, exercising its authority under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, has suspended Ezeani’s recognition as the traditional ruler of Neni until further notice.
The Commissioner advised Ezeani to desist from representing himself as the traditional ruler of Neni Community while awaiting further directives.
Nwabunwanne declared, “In the light of the above, and for order and good governance, I am directed to inform you that Mr Governor has in exercise of his powers under Section 2 (c) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, suspended your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni until further notice.”
Ezeani was further urged to provide reasons why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn as per the Traditional Rulers Law.
Senator Ubah, a former governorship candidate of the YPP, previously contested against Governor Soludo of APGA in the 2021 governorship election.
