Anambra Govt Suspends Monarch for Honouring Ubah with Chieftaincy Title

*Senator: Soludo is simply jittery, afraid 

David -Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Government, yesterday, suspended the traditional ruler of Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Igwe Damian Ezeani, allegedly for bestowing a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

The development is, however, being linked to the politics of the governorship election in the state slated for next year.

Ubah, who was during the yuletide bestowed with the title of Odenjinji of Neni, a title which Soludo was also known to hold from his Isuofia community, however, said the governor was jittery and afraid of him, following hisgrowing political profile.

A letter by Anambra Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne,suspending the monarch accused him of not seeking clearance from the state government before bestowing titles on people, including ‘persons with questionable character’.

“The Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra provides that no traditional ruler can confer chieftaincy title on anyone from outside his domain without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community. 

“This is to curtail observed abuses including a growing trend whereby a minority of traditional rulers have demonstrated a penchant for trading chieftaincy titles for money thereby bringing the traditional institution to ridicule and disrepute. 

“This brazen disregard for law and order as well as directives by lawful authorities cannot be tolerated in the new Anambra of today. 

“We have received confirmed reports that you conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the code of conduct and without clearance from the Ministry. Your action is an affront to order and good governance. 

“In the light of the, above, I am directed to inform you that Mr. Governor has in the exercise of his powers suspended your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni untill further notice,”it stated.

But Ubah has described Soludo as being frustrated by his rising popularity, insisting that the entire game was all about politics.

Reacting to a phone call by THISDAY, Ubah said, “This is all politics. The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity. He is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.

“I’m not the only person to receive chieftaincy title. The former chief of Army Staff, Buratai was honoured within the same period, Vice President Kashim Shettima was also honored, Mr President was honored in absentia. Why is my own different?” Ubah stated.