Politics
A prominent traditional title holder in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, High Chief Barrister Okey Udah, has petitioned Gov. Chukwuma Soludo over what he described as alleged unlawful actions by the Regent of the community.
In the petition dated July 21, Udah, who holds the title of Ichie Abosiugo of Umuoji and is a member of the Igwe-in-Council, accused the Regent of unlawfully initiating cabinet chiefs and usurping the powers of the Igwe-in-Council.
He alleged that the Regent’s actions violated the Umuoji Chieftaincy Constitution (1977), the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law and executive directives governing the administration of traditional institutions in the state.
According to the petitioner, the Regent unlawfully inducted and capped nine cabinet chiefs, an authority he said was reserved exclusively for a duly recognised Igwe under Section 8.5 of the Umuoji Chieftaincy Constitution.
Udah further alleged that the Regent exceeded the mandate granted by the Anambra State Government by transforming the Regent-in-Council into what he described as a “pseudo Igwe-in-Council.”
He claimed that the Regent installed himself as Chairman of the body and appointed an uncapped Vice Chairman, contrary to the authority conferred on him by the state.
The petitioner argued that the alleged actions undermined the Soludo administration’s efforts to peacefully resolve the lingering Igweship dispute in Umuoji.
He also contended that the expansion of the cabinet and the alleged usurpation of the functions of the Igwe-in-Council had disrupted traditional governance and frustrated efforts aimed at achieving an amicable settlement of the leadership dispute.
Udah urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs to invalidate all capping ceremonies and appointments allegedly carried out by the Regent.
He also requested that all appointees made through the disputed process, including the Vice Chairman, be removed from the cabinet.
The petitioner further appealed to the governor to direct the Regent to strictly limit his activities to those assigned to the Regent-in-Council under his state-issued mandate.
He also sought an order restraining the Regent from conducting capping ceremonies, performing traditional rites or exercising administrative powers reserved exclusively for a recognised Igwe under the community’s constitution.
Udah commended Soludo for what he described as the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of traditional institutions in Anambra.
Copies of the petition were also addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the President-General of the Umuoji Improvement Union, the Regent Igwe-in-Council and the Umuoji community.
Tags: Petitions Soludo Traditional Chiefs Umuoji