TheCable

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra state, says he has forgiven and reinstated Damian Ezeani, traditional ruler of Neni community.

According to a statement by Christian Aburime, press secretary to the governor, Soludo spoke on Tuesday at a meeting with traditional rulers which had 94 monarchs in attendance.

Ezeani was suspended for conferring a chieftaincy title on Ifeanyi Ubah, senator representing Anambra south district, without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community, or the ministry of local government, chieftaincy and community affairs.

Two other traditional rulers — Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto, and F.E Ebelendu of Aguluezechuwku — were said to have subsequently apologised to the governor for also conferring chieftaincy titles without following the process.

Speaking on Tuesday, the governor announced that the apologies of the traditional rulers have been accepted.

He subsequently reinstated the traditional ruler of Neni, and forgave the monarchs of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.

The governor said the record of the state shows that the body currently acting as the traditional rulers council is composed of 52 persons in violation of the 36 allowed by law.

He said as a result, the body as presently constituted, cannot make any valid decisions or function legally.

He said to remedy the situation, all traditional rulers in the state shall become members of the council other than a select few, and therefore removed the term limit.

“But that for this to function there will be a need for amendment of the relevant sections of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law,” the statement reads.

“Consequently, it was agreed that a committee made up of 5 Traditional Rulers, plus officers of government to urgently meet to consider the amendment of the relevant sections and any other section of the Traditional Rulers law deemed pertinent for a review.

“As quickly as the law is amended there shall be a meeting of Traditional Rulers for the Governor to formally inaugurate the council so that it can function in strict compliance with the Law.”