APC senator faces backlash as three Anambra monarchs retract his chieftaincy titles

Three traditional rulers in Anambra communities have taken back the chieftaincy titles they had previously bestowed upon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represents Anambra South. The monarchs involved are Igwe F.E. Ebelendu, the traditional ruler of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area; Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area; and Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, the traditional ruler of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area.

This development was made known through a statement released by Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday.

The titles were originally conferred on Ubah during their respective Ofala and cultural festivals in December. It is worth noting that Ubah, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, has expressed his interest in running for the governorship election in the state in 2025. The Anambra State government had previously suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni Kingdom, for conferring the chieftaincy title on the Senator.

This action by the three traditional rulers is considered a violation of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, as stated by Aburime.

The Anambra State Government has acknowledged that three traditional rulers, namely Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani of Neni, and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto, have apologized and retracted the chieftaincy titles bestowed upon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

These actions are in violation of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, which governs the granting and revocation of such titles. Consequently, the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni, and Dike Eji Eje Ogu have been officially withdrawn and canceled by the three traditional rulers. The letters of apology from the traditional rulers confirm the nullification of the titles. It is important for all traditional rulers to strictly adhere to the State Traditional laws and refrain from any actions that may contravene the provisions of the law.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has expressed his belief that these actions are politically motivated, as he believes that the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is threatened by his increasing popularity. The senator also questions why his chieftaincy title is being treated differently from those bestowed upon other prominent individuals during the same period.

The acceptance and popularity I have gained seem to have left the governor feeling frustrated. It is evident that he is anxious about the upcoming governorship election. However, I choose to let him grapple with his own conscience and concerns.