Anambra dethrones three traditional rulers

Three traditional rulers in Anambra State have been sacked from office by the state government.

The sacked monarchs were among 12 rulers suspended in the state for visiting Abuja to see President Muhammadu Buhari without the state government’s approval.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Greg Obi, said the sacked monarchs should submit their certificates of recognition to the secretaries of their local government areas.

According to the statement, the affected monarchs are Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia; Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle; and Igwe G.B.C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

The statement also said the suspension of another five monarchs had been lifted.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Government has lifted the suspension of five traditional rulers in the state, namely 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 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.

“The state government also withdrew the certificates of recognition as traditional rulers of the following: Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle, and Igwe G.B.C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

“Igwes (monarchs) whose certificates of recognition have been withdrawn are directed to submit their certificate of recognition to the secretary of the local government of their communities within a month of this announcement.”

But the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Nwankwo, said he had not been notified by the state government about the development.

He said, “We are in court on this issue with an injunction that the state government should not act on the matter in any form or manner within the pendency of the case.”