Traditional Rulers Council (ANSTC) has officially responded to the suspension of Igwe Damian O. Ezeani, expressing concerns over the manner in which the state government handled the matter.

In a strongly-worded 14-point letter conveyed by ANSTC Chairman Igwe Nnaemeka A. Achebe, the Council questioned the timing of the suspension, which had already circulated on social media a day prior to their official notification letter.

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The Council also lamented the lack of prior involvement or consultation with the ANSTC by the state government in applying disciplinary provisions under the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers.

Igwe Achebe further defended Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who was conferred a chieftaincy title by the suspended Igwe, dismissing the Government’s letter questioning the Senator’s credentials as “disrespectful, offensive and unbecoming.”

The ANSTC Chairman asserted that the handling of this suspension represents the peak of the erosion of the dignity of traditional stools under the current administration. He reminded the government that the rulers do not depend on it for livelihoods but are self-sustaining.

With traditional institutions held in high national and global esteem, ANSTC urged the state government to reconsider its posture towards traditional rulers in the interest advancing Anambra state’s overall progress.

The strongly-worded response signals an escalation of existing tensions between the Obiano administration and traditional rulers over the declining regard for traditional stools. Analysts expect more vocal and forceful engagement by the ANSTC going forward.