Soludo Stops Ndigwe From Parading Self As Traditional Of Awka Town
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has directed Chief Augustine Ndigwe from parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka which is also the capital town of the state.
Soludo in a Statement signed by Chief Paul Nwosu, the Commissioner for Information in Anambra said Igwe Gibson Nwosu was the only traditional ruler elected by the people and recognised by the State government.
The government condemned the attempt to hold the new yam festival (Iwa Ji) while the substantive traditional ruler was still alive, warning that it would not condone such lawlessness.
It was a criminal offense for any other person to do carry out such acts by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007
According to the government, It has come to our attention that one Augustine Chukwuezugo Ndigwe alias Uzu Awka is still parading himself as the authentic traditional ruler of Awka.
“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,” it stated.
The government reiterated that Igwe Nwosu was the only recognised Traditional Ruler of Awka whose recognition by the government had not been withdrawn and he was the only one empowered to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka.
It said Ndigwe was not the recognised traditional ruler of Awka and should desist from parading and portraying himself as one or attempting to usurp the rights of the legitimate and duly recognized traditional ruler, HRH Igwe 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 hesitate to sanction the impostor according to the relevant laws of Anambra,” it stated.
