… Warns against usurping the rights of lawful occupant of the stool
The Anambra State Government has reiterated that the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state is His Royal Highness, Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka.
The State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu in Awka on Saturday observed that the clarification became necessary as one Augustine Chukwuezugo Ndigwe alias Uzu Awka was still parading himself as the authentic traditional ruler of Awka.
The statement noted that not only did Ndigwe parade himself as the traditional ruler of Awka, he was 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.
While insisting that the action by Ndigwe was threatening the peace and tranquility of the town, it added that the State Government would not tolerate the act.
It explained that Obi Gibson whose recognition by the State Government had not been withdrawn was the only one empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka.
“It is a criminal offence for any other person to do so by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government wishes to state emphatically that the only recognized Traditional Ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka whose recognition by the State Government has not been withdrawn and he is the only one empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka.
“It is a criminal offence for any other person to do so by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007.
“The said Augustin Ndigwe is not the recognized Traditional ruler of Awka and should henceforth desist from parading and portraying himself as the Traditional Ruler of Awka or attempting to usurp the rights of the legitimate and duly recognized Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson 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 State”, the statement warned.
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