Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has reacted to the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area who had conferred a chieftaincy title on the legislator and oil magnate.
In the suspension letter, HRM Igwe Damian Ezeani was accused of not seeking clearance from the state government before bestowing titles on people, including “persons with questionable character.”
Ubah reacted, saying: “The entire game is all about politics. Soludo is frustrated by my rising popularity. I’m not the only person to receive a chieftaincy title. Former Chief of Army Staff Buratai was honoured within the same period; Vice President Kashim Shettima was also honoured; Mr President was honoured in absentia. Why is my own different?”
The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone was responding to the suspension letter to the monarch by Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Tony Collins Nwabunwanne.
The monarch had, during the Yuletide, conferred on Ubah the title of Odenjinji of Neni.
The title equates that of Governor Soludo holds in his native Isuofia community.
Uba said: “The Governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.”
In the suspension letter of Tuesday, the Commissioner said Ezeani did not obtain approval from the state government as contained in the traditional rulers’ code of conduct.
The letter said: “We have received confirmed reports that you, as the traditional ruler of Neni, conferred such a phantom Chieftaincy title today on one Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the Code of Conduct and without clearance from the Ministry.
“Whether or not your action was for pecuniary reasons as being insinuated in many quarters is irrelevant. What is important is that your action is an affront to order and good governance.
“I am directed to inform you that Mr Governor has in the exercise of his powers under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law, 2020, suspended your recognition as traditional ruler of Neni until further notice.”
