Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Three traditional rulers in Anambra State who bestowed chieftaincy titles on the senator representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, have withdrawn them.
Among them are: Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local government area; Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local government area; and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area.
It would be recalled that Ubah who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), a rival party to Soludo’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) late last year within the yuletide was bestowed with several titles by different traditional rulers in the state.
The monarchs bestowed on the senator the titles; Ikemba Ojoto (strength of Ojoto community), Odenjiinji Neni (Mystery of Neni Community)and Dike Eji Eje Ogu (Great Warrior), respectively.
With Uba’s growing popularity in the grassroots, Soludo moved to clip the wings of the monarchs who awarded the titles by suspending them, citing negligence of due process in awarding the titles.
But the traditional rulers involved have on Tuesday night tendered apologies to the governor and also withdrawn the titles.
A press release by the Press Secretary to the state governor, Mr Christian Aburime, confirmed the withdrawal.
It read thus: “The monarchs have respectively apologised to Anambra State Government and withdrawn and cancelled the phantom chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as it contravenes the State Traditional Rulers’ law.”
“This action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, which outlines the rules and regulations regarding the granting and revocation of chieftaincy titles.
“Consequently, the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni and Dike Eji Eje Ogu earlier bestowed on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have been withdrawn and cancelled by the three Igwes.
“This was contained in their respective letters of apology to the State Government which also confirmed the withdrawal and cancellation of the Chieftaincy titles which they variously described as nullity.”
