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Secret Reporters
Thirteen traditional rulers who embarked on a political pilgrim to Abuja has been axed by the Executive Governor of Anambra State Chief Willy Obiano for travelling out of the state without consulting and seeking approval first.
This was conveyed in a letter from the state government dated August 12, 2020, signed by Mr Greg Obi the Anambra state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs directing the affected Igwes to henceforth, cease parading themselves as traditional rulers and also to stop discharging functions in the same capacity in their various communities.
The traditional rullers affected are Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpuando, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite, Igwe Engr. G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia and Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam.
Others are Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle, Igwe A.N Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe S.O Uche of Ezira, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Udoji of Eziagulu-Otu.
Findings by SecretReporters revealed that their suspension is not far-fetched from a video which showed the traditional rulers pocketing monies after they visited Arthur Eze, a prominent Anambra business mogul whom sources say is building a grassroots structure to politically outclass the incumbent state governor Willy Obiano.
The state government’s action has since been greeted with mixed reactions from indigenes of the state with many supporting the state government, this time on the basis that the Igwes have bastardized the traditional institution of Igweship by meddling in petty politics to the detriment of their subjects.
While others strongly oppose the suspension calling it a politically naive move by Gov. Obiano whose scorecard they say is below average as they said traditional rulers have every right to travel and associate with any person, some, who sited that Gov. Willy Obiano also visited the same Anambra Business Tycoon sometime in the past and was gifted with a political parcel averred that the bickering is a mere charade of executive rascality and traditional ignorance.
Depending on the government’s review of the conduct of the affected traditional rulers, their suspension which is to last for one year according to the letter may be elongated or reviewed with the likelihood of some losing their Igweship entirely.
