New year: Obiano reinstates 3 dethroned monarchs

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has pardoned and reinstated the three dethroned traditional rulers in the state.

The three monarchs were among the 13 traditional rulers suspended for traveling to Abuja with an oil mogul, Arthur Eze, to see the President, Muhammadu Buhari, without getting approval from the state government.

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The state government had in December dethroned the three monarchs by withdrawing their certificates of recognition and lifted suspension on five others.

Amongst the dethroned monarchs were; Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G.B.C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

Those whose suspension were lifted included; Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe A.N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Uche of Ezira.

The government then said: “The one-year suspension of Igwe Kelly N. Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu continues, subject to future review as may be necessary.”

But on Friday, the state government, in a public service announcement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Greg Obi, said in the spirit of the new year, the state governor, Willie Obiano, had pardoned the monarchs whose suspensions were held in abeyance.

The statement read in part: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, in a new year act of magnanimity, has decided to lift the suspension of three remaining traditional rulers effective immediately in exercise of the powers bestowed on him under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 2007 as amended.

“The affected traditional rulers are: Igwe Kelly N Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, and Igwe Peter A Uyanwa of Ukwulu.”