Three monarchs in Anambra State have withdrawn the chieftaincy titles they conferred on the senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah.
The traditional rulers are Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area; Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area; and Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area.
Ubah’s titles revocation was revealed in a statement issued by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
In December 2023, the three community rulers had conferred various chieftaincy titles on Ubah during their respective Ofala and cultural festivals.
Ubah, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), is said to be interested in contesting the 2025 governorship election in the state.
Prof Soludo had earlier suspended the traditional ruler of the Neni Kingdom, Igwe Damian Ezeani, after he conferred the title on the Senator.
The governor achieved this using Anambra State’s Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.
In his suspension letter signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, and dated January 8, 2024, Ezeani was said to have breached the code of conduct for traditional rulers.
According to Aburime, the action by the three monarchs was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code.
The statement read, “It has come to the attention of Anambra State Government that Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local government Area, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local government area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area have respectively apologised to Anambra State Government and withdrawn and cancelled the phantom chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as it contravenes the State Traditional Rulers’ law.
“This action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, which outlines the rules and regulations regarding the granting and revocation of chieftaincy titles.
“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the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni and Dike Eji Eje Ogu earlier bestowed on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have been withdrawn and cancelled by the three Igwes.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 was contained in their respective letters of apology to the state government which also confirmed the withdrawal and cancellation of the chieftaincy titles which they variously described as nullity.
“However, it is instructive to note that traditional rulers are kindly advised to adhere strictly to the State Traditional laws and avoid any untoward actions that could contravene the provisions of the law.”
Ubah, had earlier criticised the state government for suspending the transitional ruler, who during the Yuletide, conferred on him the title of ‘Odenjinji’ of Neni, which is similar to the title the state governor, Prof Soludo, also holds in his Isuofia community.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
