ANAMBRA: Why Soludo Sacks Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, Orders Fresh Election

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.

Prof Soludo made this known during a meeting of the council held at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

During the meeting which was attended by 120 out of the 172 recognized traditional rulers in the state, the governor indicted Igwe Achebe for disrespecting his authority and undermining the peace and stability of the state.

It would be recalled that Igwe Achebe earlier wrote an open letter to the governor, criticizing him for suspending some traditional rulers who allegedly conferred chieftaincy titles on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without due process. ,

Igwe Achebe however, 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 in the state.

Similarly, the Forum of the Labour Party 2023 Anambra State House of Assembly candidates joined to condeme the suspension of Igwe of the Neni community, H.R.H. Igwe Damian O. Ezeani by the Government of Anambra State under the auspices of Prof. Charles Soludo.

The forum made this known through a release signed by its Coordinator, Mr. OCN Okafor while reacting to a widely circulated letter on the suspension of Igwe of Neni and the destruction of Petty Traders’ goods In Awka.

The forum, however, commended the role of the then chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, H.R.M Igwe Dr. Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (CFR), and the House of Representative member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Oby Lilian Orogbu for publicly speaking against what they described as intimidations and barbaric acts by the Anambra State Government.

Reacting to the development, Governor Soludo refuted the allegations saying that he was acting within the law and in the best interest of the state. He further declared 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.

Consequently, the governor, disclosed that a new chairman would be elected by the council within 30 days.