The Anambra State government has suspended the recognition of Igwe Damian Ezeani as the traditional ruler of Neni.

A release signed by the 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The release also required Igwe Ezeani to show why his certificate of recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law and advised Igwe Ezeani to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of Neni Community.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.

It disclosed that government

received confirmed reports that Igwe Ezeani conferred such phantom Chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifaanyi Ubah in violation of the Traditional Rulers Code and without clearance from the ministry.

It made clear that brazen disregard for rule of law as well as directives by lawful authority cannot be tolerated in Anambra State of today.