The traditional ruler of Nawfia in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo has said that he remains the traditional ruler of his community.
Nwankwo, who was one of the traditional rulersn earlier suspended by the government following their visit to Aso Rock, said that it’s his people that enthroned him and only they can determine his fate.
Twelve traditional rulers were originally suspended for accompanying a prominent Anambra citizen to Abuja to see the president.
But on Friday the Anambra state government dethroned three traditional rulers out of 12.
According to a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and
Community Affairs Greg Obi, the monarchs whose certificate of recognition were withdrawn include Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Njikoka LGA, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle in Anambra West LGA and Igwe G. B. C Mbakwe of Abacha, Idemili North LGA.
Echo News gathered that the three monarchs were among the eleven traditional rulers suspended for allegedly
travelling to Abuja with an oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, without obtaining permission. One, Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu was earlier suspended.
The Commissioner in the statement directed the dethroned monarchs to submit their certificates of recognition to the Secretary of the local government of their communities within a month of the announcement.
He, however, lifted the suspension of five traditional rulers among the twelve namely Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe A.N Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O Uche of Ezira.
The governor also added that the one year suspension of Igwe Kelly N. Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu would continue subject to what it termed “future review as may be necessary.”