In a surprising turn of events, the traditional rulers of Aguluezechukwu, Neni, and Ojoto in Anambra State, namely Igwe F.E. Ebelendu, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian, and Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, have officially withdrawn the chieftaincy titles they recently conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The decision was communicated through a statement issued by Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the state governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed interest in contesting the 2025 governorship election in Anambra state, had received various chieftaincy titles during the Ofala and cultural festivals in December.
The withdrawal comes following the suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni Kingdom, by the Anambra State government, for conferring the chieftaincy title on Senator Ubah. The suspension was based on the violation of the code of conduct for traditional rulers.
The press statement emphasized that the actions of the three traditional rulers contravened the State Traditional Rulers’ code. It highlighted, “This action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, which outlines the rules and regulations regarding the granting and revocation of chieftaincy titles.”
As a result of the withdrawal, the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni, and Dike Eji Eje Ogu, previously bestowed upon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, have been officially canceled.
The statement included apologies from the traditional rulers to the state government, confirming the withdrawal and cancellation of the chieftaincy titles, describing them as nullity. Traditional rulers were also advised to adhere strictly to the State Traditional laws to avoid any actions contravening the provisions of the law.
In response to the developments, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah attributed the situation to political motives, stating, “The entire game is all about politics. Soludo is frustrated by my rising popularity… The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.”