By Emeka Chiaghanam
The Anambra State
Traditional Rulers' Council (ASTRC) has warned people presenting themselves as
traditional rulers without government recognition to stop immediately, saying
offenders risk prosecution under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Law.
The warning came in a communiqué issued after the council's second quarterly
meeting at the Government Light House in Awka on 26 June, where traditional
rulers reviewed security, chieftaincy disputes, community development and the
future of traditional institutions.
A major outcome of the meeting was the council's endorsement of the recent
Supreme Court judgment which, according to the communiqué, dissolved autonomous
communities in Anambra State. The traditional rulers congratulated Governor
Chukwuma Soludo on what they described as a landmark legal victory, saying the
ruling would promote peace, unity and development in affected communities.
The council warned that anyone continuing to parade themselves as an Igwe, Obi,
Eze or any other traditional ruler in affected communities should desist or
face sanctions under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Law 2007, as
amended.
Warning over unauthorised coronations and 'Eze Ndigbo' title
The Monarchs also warned against churches, schools, associations and other
organisations installing individuals as traditional rulers outside the legal
process.
It said some recipients adopt titles such as His Royal Highness, Igwe, Obi and
Eze, and even organise Ofala festivals reserved for government-recognised
traditional rulers.
According to the communiqué, such practices breach the state's Traditional
Rulers' Law, which prescribes a two-year prison sentence without the option of
a fine. The council said it would enforce the law against offenders.
It also reaffirmed a directive of the South East Traditional Rulers' Council
urging Igbo people living outside the South East and in the diaspora to stop
using the title Eze Ndigbo and adopt Onye Ndu Ndigbo instead to distinguish
community leaders from government-recognised traditional rulers and reduce
tension in host communities.
Soludo praised for handling chieftaincy dispute and strengthening security
The traditional rulers commended Governor Soludo for resolving the Obiship
dispute in Eze Uzu Awka Kingdom through a high-powered committee whose
recommendations informed a government white paper. They urged him to adopt the
same approach in resolving similar chieftaincy disputes across the state
instead of prolonged court cases.
Members also praised the implementation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law,
describing it as an important step in tackling crime. They welcomed action
against suspected criminal native doctors, ritual practitioners, fake miracle
pastors, drug dealers and drug abuse, urging the governor to sustain the crackdown
"until sanity is restored to the system".
The council also condemned the recent attack on the Chief of Staff and members
of his team along the Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road, where three people were killed. It
expressed condolences to the state government, the Chief of Staff and the
bereaved families, while urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute those
responsible.
Conflict resolution and development plans
To address recurring disputes, the council said its newly inaugurated Conflict
Resolution Committee, chaired by HRM Igwe C.N. Okpala and comprising
traditional rulers and Presidents-General, had begun mediating intra- and
inter-community conflicts. It encouraged affected communities to seek peaceful
settlements through the committee.
The council also approved the design of a proposed Royal Village for
traditional rulers and directed that detailed drawings and project costing
should begin immediately. It asked its fundraising committee to accelerate
plans to finance the project through a Public-Private Partnership pending
government allocation of land.
Members also welcomed Governor Soludo's promise to provide a new secretariat at
the Government Light House after the existing facility is redeveloped as part
of the proposed Solution Silicon Valley Complex.
Training and partnership to strengthen traditional leadership
The communiqué also announced the governor's approval for annual retreats and
seminars for Anambra traditional rulers from this year. The training will focus
on conflict resolution, the council's code of conduct, rural justice
administration, internal security collaboration and vigilante coordination to
strengthen leadership at community level.
The council further commended Dominion City Church, led by Rev. Dr David
Ogbueli, for organising and fully funding a one-day summit, The Impact of
Christianity in Igbo Land. It described the event as the first of its kind,
saying it promoted dialogue between Christian leaders and traditional rulers on
faith, youth development and community building.
The traditional rulers urged other religious and non-religious organisations to
adopt similar initiatives, saying stronger partnerships would promote peaceful
coexistence, effective leadership and sustainable development across Anambra
State.
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