Obiano suspends 12 monarchs who ‘travelled without permission’

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra, has approved the suspension of 12 traditional rulers in the state over alleged misconduct.

In a statement, Greg Obi, commissioner for local government, chieftaincy and community affairs, said the suspended monarchs travelled out of Anambra without government approval.

Obi said the governor invoked the Anambra traditional rulers law of 1981 to justify the suspension which took effect on August 11.

He listed the suspended monarchs as Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando; Mark-Anthony Okonkwo of Alor;  Chukuwma Orji of Ezinifite; G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha; Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfa and Nkeli Nelly of Igbarim.

Others are Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle; A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga; Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo; S. O. Uche of Ezira; Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu.

“During the sanction period, you are required to stop holding yourselves out as traditional rulers and to cease from discharging traditional rulers’ functions in your communities or elsewhere in the state and beyond,” the statement read.

“This sanction may be lifted at the end of one year or renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of your conduct.

“By this sanction, membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council is revoked, furthermore any appointment in other government committee is hereby rescinded.”

This brings to 13 the number of traditional rulers suspended in the state in the last one month.

Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu had been suspended in July over alleged misconduct.