Traditional rulers in Anambra State have accused Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, of mistreating and disrespecting them.
The traditional rulers, in a letter signed by the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), Igwe Alfred Achebe, said the way the government maltreated and suspended members was disrespectful.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, suspended a traditional ruler for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and threatened others if they did not reverse the recognitions.
NAN also reports that no fewer than three traditional rulers had bowed to pressure by apologising to the governor for conferring such titles and withdrawing their recognition.
The traditional rulers that apologised included Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto, Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni, and Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechuwku.
Achebe accused the commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, of disrespecting the traditional institution by taking unilateral actions against traditional rulers and communicating with them through the social media.
He condemned the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Council, Igwe Damian Ezeani, for alleged “non compliance with the Code of Conduct” as dehumanising and selective.
