COSEYL Accuses Governor Soludo of Dictatorial Actions Against Anambra’s Traditional Rulers

In a recent statement released on Friday, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has leveled serious allegations against Governor Charles Soludo, accusing him of adopting dictatorial measures in his dealings with Anambra’s traditional rulers.

COSEYL’s president-general, Goodluck Ibem, expressed concern over what the coalition deems as Governor Soludo’s anti-democratic treatment of Anambra’s traditional institutions.

The coalition vehemently criticized a recent law introduced by the governor, which prohibits the conferment of chieftaincy titles to individuals outside the jurisdiction of a traditional stool without prior approval from the state government. COSEYL condemned this legislation as “dictatorial, anti-democratic, anti-people, and barbaric,” asserting that it lacks representation of the people’s interests.

Describing the law as a “decree” rather than a legitimate legal measure, COSEYL urged Governor Soludo to redirect his focus towards delivering tangible democratic benefits to the citizens.

COSEYL argued that the law, which requires state approval for chieftaincy titles, infringes upon the traditional rights and privileges of the people. The group contends that such a restriction hampers the cultural practices deeply rooted in the state.

The Anambra government, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, recently suspended a traditional ruler for conferring a chieftaincy title on Ifeanyi Ubah. The government warned others to reverse similar recognitions or face consequences. In response to the pressure, three traditional rulers publicly apologized to Governor Soludo and withdrew the conferred titles.

The allegations by COSEYL add fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between governmental authority and traditional practices in Anambra, raising concerns about potential erosion of cultural autonomy under the current administration.