The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ANSTC) has officially responded to the suspension of HRH Igwe Damian O. Ezeani by the Anambra state government. In a press release conveyed through the Chairman of the council of traditional rulers in the state, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka A. Achebe CFR, mni, the council expressed concerns about the manner in which the state government handled Igwe Damian O. Ezeani’s suspension.
In a comprehensive 14-point letter, Igwe Achebe questioned the timing of the suspension, suggesting it appeared as an afterthought given its prior circulation on social media for over 24 hours before the council received the official letter. He expressed dismay that the suspension letter was copied to the Commissioner of Police and Director DSS, Anambra state, but not to the chairman of the ASTRC.
Igwe Achebe emphasized that the state government’s action highlighted the treatment of traditional rulers in Anambra state and underscored the value placed on the traditional institution by the present administration. He lamented the lack of involvement or reference to the ASTRC in the application of the code of conduct, which was established following the 2013 annual seminar of Anambra state traditional rulers.
The chairman recalled his communication with the governor on October 4, 2023, regarding the subsisting code of conduct and the need for its review for increased efficacy. However, he noted a lack of feedback from the Commissioner or the Governor since then, assuming that the same order with the previous administrations would continue to prevail.
Igwe Achebe criticized the Commissioner’s discussion with him on January 7, 2024, about the code of conduct for traditional rulers who conferred honorary chieftancy titles in violation of the code. He highlighted that the Commissioner specifically mentioned Igwe Ojoto and the self-acclaimed traditional ruler of Nawfia but did not mention Igwe Menu, who celebrated his ofala on December 29, 2023.
He pointed out the absence of written directives from the ministry on the conferment of chieftaincy titles before January 8, 2024, when Igwe Neni was suspended. Igwe Achebe criticized the Commissioner’s letter to Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as disrespectful, offensive, and unbecoming of a political office holder. He defended Senator Ubah’s qualifications and contributions to the community, expressing concern about the potential underlying issues with either the Igwe or Senator Ubah.
Igwe Achebe concluded by asserting that the state government’s handling of the matter represents the pinnacle of the progressive dehumanization and dismantling of the traditional institution of Anambra by the present administration. He reminded the state government that traditional rulers deserve respect and dignity, emphasizing that their livelihood does not depend on selling chieftancy titles or monthly stipends from the state government but on their hard-earned personal resources. He urged the state government to reconsider its approach and recognize the significance of the traditional institution, which is held in high esteem by the Federal government and other state governments.