Following a disagreement over traditional rulers, Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reconciled with Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe.
The Governor reinstated Igwe Damian Ezeani, the suspended traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha’s local government territory.
The monarch, among others, was accused of bestowing unlawful chieftaincy titles on some individuals, particularly Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ubah is said to be preparing to fight Soludo for the governorship seat of 2025.
Following the suspension and other concerns, Igwe Achebe issued a lengthy letter denouncing Soludo and accusing him of disrespecting traditional institutions in the state.
However, in a statement issued in Awka on Wednesday, Mr Christian Aburime, the Governor’s Press Secretary, reported that Soludo reinstated the suspended Neni monarch and forgave two others for supposed transgressions.
He stated that the Governor forgiven the traditional rulers’ transgressions in a meeting attended by 94 monarchs.
The meeting, according to Aburime, took place in the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
Aburime added that while Igwe Ezeani was reinstated, the monarchs of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were forgiven following apologies.
According to Aburime, the Governor handled some of the monarchs’ welfare needs.
According to him:
“The Governor announced that with the apologies of the affected Traditional Rulers, the State government accepts their apologies, and subsequently reinstates the Traditional Ruler of Neni, and forgive the Traditional Rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.
“Mr Governor further clarified the legal status of the Igwe Nawfia as advised by his legal team.
“As part of the vote of thanks, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto passed the votes of thanks and requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.
“The meeting ended on a high note with the traditional leaders having photo sessions with Mr Governor “