Gov Soludo Suspends Monarch For Conferring Chieftaincy Title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

The Anambra State Government has suspended Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni Community, for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without ‘proper authorization’. The suspension, announced by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, follows alleged violations of established regulations.

The traditional ruler reportedly bestowed the title of “Odenjinji Neni” on Senator Ubah, representing Anambra South District, just hours before the suspension notice emerged. According to Nwabunwanne, the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra State explicitly prohibits conferring chieftaincy titles on individuals from outside the ruler’s community without obtaining prior permission.

In addition to the code of conduct, the state government issued a directive emphasizing the need for clearance from the ministry before conferring such titles. This move aims to curb perceived abuses, including the trading of chieftaincy titles for financial gain, which has brought traditional institutions into disrepute.

The commissioner highlighted that the governor, exercising powers under Section 2 (c) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, has suspended Damian Ezeani’s recognition as the traditional ruler of Neni until further notice. Ezeani has been called upon to present reasons why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in accordance with the Traditional Rulers Law.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, re-elected in the February 2023 general elections under the Young Progressives Party (YPP), defected to the All Progressives Congress shortly after his inauguration in June 2023. The controversy surrounding the chieftaincy title adds a new chapter to the political landscape in Anambra State.