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Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has taken the decision to indefinitely suspend the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Damian Ezeani, in the Anaocha local government area of the state. This action comes as a consequence of the monarch conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, an APC chieftain set to challenge Soludo in the 2025 governorship election. The suspension was announced by the state government through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Hon. Collins Nwabunwanne, citing the monarch’s failure to seek permission for such an action.
The statement issued by the commissioner highlighted that the traditional ruler did not obtain clearance from the ministry before conferring the chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, referred to as “Odenjinji” meaning “like a tornado.” The government expressed concern over the violation of the Code of Conduct and emphasized that the action, regardless of its motives, amounted to an affront to order and good governance.
Governor Soludo, exercising his powers under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, suspended the recognition of Igwe Damian Ezeani as the Traditional Ruler of Neni until further notice. The decision underscores the importance of adhering to established procedures and codes of conduct in traditional institutions and serves as a measure to maintain order and good governance in the state.
