Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Reacts to Monarch’s Suspension by Governor Soludo

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South, has expressed his disapproval of the suspension of Igwe Damian O. Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, by the Anambra State Government. The suspension was announced by the state Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, citing the monarch’s failure to seek clearance before conferring a chieftaincy title on Ubah.

In the official suspension letter signed by Commissioner TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the state government accused Igwe Damian O. Ezeani of bestowing titles, including those on individuals with “questionable character,” without obtaining prior approval.

The controversial chieftaincy title, ‘Odenjinji’ of Neni, was conferred on Senator Ubah during the Yuletide, similar to the title held by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in his Isuofia community.

Reacting to his suspension, Senator Ubah released a statement on Tuesday, alleging political motivations behind the move. He asserted, “The entire game is all about politics. Soludo is frustrated by my rising popularity. I am not the only person that received a chieftaincy title.”

Ubah further questioned the discrepancy, pointing out that other prominent figures, including former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai and Vice President Kashim Shettima, received similar honors during the same period.

“The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience,” Ubah added.

Having defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October 2023, Senator Ubah is reportedly gearing up for the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State. This suspension comes amidst heightened political activities, with the APC fortifying its position in the state.

In response to the development, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, dismissed claims of political motivations. He stated, “Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has always been a serial governorship contestant, and each time, the people reject him at the polls. Anambra is APGA land, and the people are fully behind Soludo.”

Aburime insisted that the suspension of the monarch was solely based on violations of the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra, with no political undertones.