The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has prevailed on Chief Austine Ndigwe to desist from parading himself as the Traditional Ruler of Awka.
Governor Soludo who handed down the warning while attending Chief Ndigwe’s birthday celebration in Awka, insisted that the only person recognized as the traditional ruler of Awka is Obi Gibson Nwosu.
The Governor noted that in order to return peace, unity and progress to Awka, all hands must be on deck, calling on Chief Ndigwe, the youths and the entire Awka Community, to join forces with his administration to develop the state.
He revealed that his government is working on giving Awka a facelift as a befitting capital city, such as the ongoing construction of internal roads in Awka, Government House and Lodge, leisure hub and amusement park, among others and applauded Chief Ndigwe for doling out palliatives to his people.
The Governor added that by early next week, Anambra State government will commence distribution of bags of rice to over three hundred thousand households, among other measures aimed at cushioning the effects of the subsidy removal on ndị Anambra.
Chief Ndigwe appreciated the Governor for honouring his invitation and pledged to synergize with his government to engender progress in the community in particular and the state in general.
Recall that the Anambra State Government had earlier warned Chief Augustine Ndigwe to stop parading as the traditional ruler of Awka.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu.
In the statement, the government reminded Ndigwe that by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007, it is a criminal offence for any person not recognized as a traditional ruler to claim so.
Nwosu stressed that the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka.
The statement read in part,”It has come to the attention of Anambra State Government that one Augustin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe alias Uzu Awka is still parading himself as the authentic traditional ruler of Awka. Not only that, he is also taking steps to perform one of the major harvest season’s traditional rites known as New Yam Festival or “Iwa ji” of the Awka people, thereby threatening the peace and tranquility of the town. The State Government will not tolerate this.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government wishes to state emphatically that the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka whose recognition by the State Government has not been withdrawn and he is the only one empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka.
“It is a criminal offence for any other person to do so by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007
“The said Augustin Ndigwe is not the recognized Traditional ruler of Awka and should henceforth desist from parading and portraying himself as the Traditional Ruler of Awka or attempting to usurp the rights of the legitimate and duly recognized Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu.
“Any such unlawful act in any part of Anambra State would not be condoned by the Anambra State Government and the State will not hesistate to sanction the impostor according to the relevant laws of Anambra State.”
Recall that early in Governor Soludo’s Administration in 2021,Stop parading as Awka monarch or be treated like criminal, govt warns Ndigwe
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