The traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has been sacked as the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council held at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The meeting was attended by 120 out of the 172 recognised traditional rulers in the state.
The governor accused Igwe Achebe of disrespecting his authority and undermining the peace and stability of the state.
Igwe Achebe had earlier written an open letter to the governor, criticising him for suspending some traditional rulers who conferred chieftaincy titles on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without due process. Igwe Achebe claimed that the governor did not consult him or the council before taking such actions.
He also alleged that the governor was interfering in the affairs of the traditional institution and violating the code of conduct for traditional rulers.
The governor denied these allegations and said that he was acting within the law and in the best interest of the state. He said that Igwe Achebe had failed to perform his duties as the chairman of the council and had lost the confidence and respect of his colleagues. He announced that a new chairman would be elected by the council within 30 days.