Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has executed a dramatic reshuffle in the state’s traditional council, replacing Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
In a surprising announcement made during the launch of the “Operation Udo Ga-Chi” security initiative at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Soludo appointed Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the monarch of Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, as the new chairman. The decision, Soludo explained, was made in alignment with the recently amended State Traditional Rulers Law.
A Gesture of Support Despite Tensions
Reacting to the development, the Obi of Onitsha extended his congratulations to Igwe Iweka while expressing his willingness to support the council’s new leadership.
“As Mr. Governor told me, your appointment was based on extensive consultation, which becomes your mandate to lead the council on a solid foundation. As your predecessor, I offer my full support and encouragement to you always in your capacity as chairman,” Achebe stated in a letter.
Achebe, who was absent from the meeting due to prior commitments in Lagos, conveyed his best wishes to Iweka in the same message. However, behind the scenes, this change appears to be the culmination of a long-standing feud between Soludo and Achebe.
Clash Over Governance and Tradition
Tensions between Soludo’s administration and the Obi of Onitsha have been simmering for months. Achebe had previously criticized Soludo for his alleged mishandling of traditional matters. One flashpoint was the suspension of Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni, for bestowing a chieftaincy title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without prior authorization from Ubah’s community.
Achebe accused the state government of disrespecting the traditional institution, claiming such actions represented “the apogee of the progressive dehumanisation and dismantling of the traditional institution” under Soludo’s leadership.
In a letter dated January 12, Achebe took issue with Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who had justified Ezeani’s suspension based on the code of conduct for traditional rulers. Achebe described the commissioner’s communication as “disrespectful and insensitive,” arguing that it unjustly cast aspersions on the state’s monarchs.
“A Public Riot Act”
“The tone and language of your letter were, by any measure, a public riot act and pontification to the same majority of traditional rulers that you extolled as acting with dignity and integrity,” Achebe stated.
He also criticized the commissioner for referring to Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as “one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah,” calling the phrasing “disrespectful and offensive.” Achebe argued that such language demeaned the office of a senator and by extension, the traditional institution.
A New Era for Anambra’s Traditional Council
Soludo’s decision to replace Achebe with Iweka signals a shift in the dynamics of Anambra’s traditional council. Igwe Iweka, a celebrated author and cultural figure, now faces the challenge of navigating a landscape marked by tension between traditional rulers and the state government.
While some observers see the governor’s decision as a strategic attempt to strengthen control over traditional affairs, others interpret it as part of a broader effort to modernize the council.
Calls for Unity Amid Controversy
Soludo has urged the council to focus on fostering peace and collaboration. At the security initiative launch, he emphasized the importance of unity in addressing the state’s security challenges.
“We must work together to ensure that Anambra remains a model state for security and development,” Soludo stated.
However, critics argue that the governor’s actions could deepen divisions within the traditional council. Some traditional rulers have expressed concerns about government interference in cultural matters, warning that such moves could erode the sanctity of the institution.
A Legacy in Question
For Achebe, the end of his tenure as council chairman marks a turning point in his legacy. Known for his advocacy for the autonomy of traditional institutions, Achebe’s removal has sparked debate about the relationship between politics and tradition in Anambra State.
While Achebe has pledged his support for Iweka, the wider implications of this leadership change remain unclear. As Anambra’s traditional rulers adapt to the new reality, many will be watching to see how Igwe Iweka navigates the complexities of his new role.
This development serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between governance and tradition in Nigeria, where cultural heritage often intersects with political power. Whether Soludo’s actions will pave the way for a more unified council or exacerbate existing tensions is a question that only time will answer.
The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council plays a crucial role in advising the government on cultural and community matters. Its leadership is traditionally seen as a bridge between the state and its diverse communities, making the chairman’s position a highly influential one.
