Chieftaincy Title: Anambra Govt urges Abba Monarch to Shun Acts Capable of Fueling Crisis

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Government has advised Traditional Ruler of Abba community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Igwe Leonard Eze to desist from act capable of breeding crisis in the community.

The advice was contained in a letter dated August 29, 2025 and signed by Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Tonycollins Nwabunwanne.

The government noted a receipt of complaint of total disregard to the procedural and conventional arrangement which involve the stakeholders of the villages in the selection/appointment for the conferment of chieftaincy title (Ichie) in the community.

“This is despite Commissioner’s directive in the meeting with President General and some stakeholders of Ire village held on July 22, 2025, where it was resolved that the conferment of chieftaincy title (Ichie) should be done in line with conventional arrangement; since there is no written and approved Chieftaincy constitution for Abba community.

“In view of the above, and having confirmed the disregard of the above directive, the government maintains that any of such conferment which is contrary to the procedural and conventional arrangement/directive remains null and void, and advised the Monarch to desist from act capable of breeding crisis in the community.

“The Monarch was further advised to comply with the government’s directive, failure of which will attract serious sanitation by the state government, and to be guided accordingly.

“For their information and guidance, the letter was copied to Police Zone 13 Ukpo, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Member Representing Njikoka Two Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Jude Akpua, the Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, DPO Abagana Police station, and Abba Village Chairmen – Ire, Amabor, Okpulorji and Ezi-Abba.

“In a letter dated July 8 and signed by Chairman, Mr Ugochukwu Atusiuba and the Secretary, Comrade Fidelis Okafor, the Ire Solidarity Union, among 5 requests, asked that the Monarch “cancel the planned coronation of new Ichies from Ire village Abba”, but the Monarch went ahead to ‘coronate’ new Ichies from the village during the 2025 Iwa ji festival of the community.”