- Acculturated Anambra monarchs turn revered chieftaincy institutions to “auction houses”
Eight traditional rulers in Anambra State are facing potential suspension from their positions due to the indiscriminate conferment of chieftaincy titles on controversial and undeserving individuals. One monarch, in particular, conferred titles on 72 individuals in a single day, leading to conflicts within the community.
Another traditional ruler is under scrutiny for giving a prestigious title to a new recipient without consulting a prominent community figure who had received the same title earlier. The state government, is now believed to be taking these actions, especially considering the political affiliations of the involved monarchs.
The Nawfia traditional ruler, Igwe Dr. Daniel Ogochukwu Obelle, publicly apologized to Governor Soludo for violating the code of conduct regarding chieftaincy titles. The apology followed the conferment of titles on over 40 philanthropists without obtaining government approval.
Governor Soludo, exercising his powers under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Law, has directed the suspension of traditional rulers who bestow titles without government clearance. This move aims to uphold the Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct, emphasizing that titles should not be conferred outside the recipient’s community without proper authorization.
Chinedu Obigwe, the National Coordinator of All Progressives Grand Alliance, praised Governor Soludo for bringing order to traditional institutions. He condemned the reckless conferment of titles, citing instances where individuals like Ifeanyi Ubah allegedly purchased titles.
Obigwe emphasized the need for traditional rulers to adhere to the established code of conduct and criticized those politicizing the disciplinary actions against the traditional rulers, asserting that they should be ignored.
IMAGE: Vanguard
