Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, has lifted the suspension imposed on the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani. The governor reconciled with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, following their previous dispute.
A statement released in Awka on Wednesday by Mr. Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the Governor, confirmed Soludo’s decision to reinstate the suspended Neni monarch. The governor also extended forgiveness to two other traditional rulers for alleged infractions.
The suspended monarch, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was accused, among other things, of conferring unauthorized chieftaincy titles, particularly on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress. Senator Ubah is perceived as a potential contender for the governorship seat against Soludo in the 2025 elections.
In the aftermath of the suspension and related issues, Igwe Achebe expressed his discontent in a lengthy letter, accusing the governor of disregarding traditional institutions in the state.
Aburime revealed that Soludo pardoned the transgressions of the monarchs during a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 traditional leaders. The meeting took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
While Igwe Ezeani was reinstated, the traditional rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were also forgiven after offering apologies. Aburime emphasized that Governor Soludo addressed some of the welfare concerns raised by the traditional rulers during the meeting.
In the official statement, Aburime stated, “The Governor announced that with the apologies of the affected Traditional Rulers, the State government accepts their apologies and subsequently reinstates the Traditional Ruler of Neni, and forgives the Traditional Rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.”
He added that the governor clarified the legal status of Igwe Nawfia based on advice from his legal team. As a gesture of goodwill, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto expressed gratitude and requested regular meetings with Governor Soludo, a proposal the governor graciously accepted, committing to holding such meetings at least twice a year. The meeting concluded positively, with traditional leaders participating in photo sessions with the governor.