By Ovat Abeng
The Suspended Traditional ruler of Neni community in Anoacha local government area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Damian Ezeani, has tendered unreserved apology to the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo over conferment of chieftaincy title on Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and others.
Igwe Ezeani, said he did that out of ignorance on Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2020 as amended.
The Monarch begged Soludo to temper justice with mercy, noting that the governor’s forgiveness will further sustained the already existing peace and unity Neni community is known for since his reign 23 years ago.
It was earlier reported that governor Soludo suspended the recognition of Igwe Ezeani as the traditional ruler of Neni town for honouring Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and others with Chieftaincy titles without the official approval of the state government.
A release signed by the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Mr Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne said the Governor’s directive is in exercise of his powers under Section Two (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2020 as amended.
The release also required Igwe Ezeani to show why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law and advised Igwe Ezeani to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of Neni Community.
The release explained that the suspension was because of the violation of Traditional Rulers Code of Conduct.
According to the release, the code of conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra State provides that no traditional ruler can confer Chieftaincy title on anyone outside his community without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient community while the state government has equally issued a directive to the effect that no such Chieftaincy title should be conferred by any traditional ruler on a recipient outside his community without obtaining clearance from the ministry.
It explained that the regulations and measures are to among other things prevent abuses and trading of chieftaincy titles for money thereby bringing the traditional institution to disrepute.
Reacting further on the development while briefing Journalists at his Palace in Neni, on Wednesday, Igwe Ezeani, said he did that out of ignorance, noting that he didn’t know that a law to that effect was amended in 2020.
According to him, I don’t award the Chieftaincy titles to Senator Ubah and others on political ground as being speculated in different quarters but based on their services to humanity.
“I was shock when I received the suspension letter from someone via WhatsApp message. I am presently 73 years old.
“I was coronated as the Traditional ruler of the community on 10th May, 2003.
“I am a Catholic, a Knight of Saint Mbolumba and the Anambra Central Senatorial District Traditional Ruler Council Chairman. I am not a pompous person. I am a humble person, a man of integrity to the core. I wouldn’t have do that if I have known.
“Since I received the letter, the development has set me thinking.
“I sincerely apologized to whosoever the Chieftaincy titles issue has offended to forgive me.
“And also if what I have done violated the State Traditional Rulers Code of Conduct, on behalf of myself, my cabinet members and the entire people of Neni community, I begged the governor to please forgive me,” the Monarch appealed.
