Anambra: Gov Obiano dethrones 3 traditional rulers, reinstates 5 others

The Anambra State Government has dethroned three traditional rulers and withdrawn their certificate of recognition.

Their certificates of appointment was withdrawn by Gov. Willie Obiano on Friday in Awka via Chief Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.

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

Obi said the sacked monarchs should submit their certificates of recognition to the Secretary of their local government areas.

The affected monarchs are Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G. B. C Mbakwe of Abacha.

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The statement added that the suspension of another five monarchs had been lifted.

They are – Igwe Simon Chidibem of Umumbo, Igwe A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Obiora of Ezira.

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.

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“Igwes (monarchs) whose certificates of recognition have been withdrawn are directed to submit their certificate of recognition to the secretary of the local government of their communities within a month of this announcement”.

Reacting, the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, purportedly sacked, said he had not been notified by 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.”

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Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia in reaction said that nobody can remove him.

“Iam still the Igwe, ” he said.