AWKA, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events, the suspended traditional ruler of Neni, His Royal Highness, Nwabueze Damian Ezeani, has issued a public apology to Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without proper clearances.
The apology, issued via a video released on Thursday, January 11, 2023, comes after his suspension by the state government, which has sparked significant controversy in the region.
HRH Ezeani, expressed his unreserved apology in a video statement.
“With all sincerity and humility, I offer my profound apology to the Government of Anambra State and to Governor Professor Charles C. Soludo,” the monarch said in the video obtained by The Trent.
“My name is His Royal Highness, Nwabueze Damian Ezeani. I am the suspended traditional ruler of Neni. I was born 25th September, 1950. I am a Christian of the Catholic faith. I am a Knight of St Mulumba (4th Degree). I am a businessman. I am the traditional ruler of Neni. The reason for my suspension is that I gave chieftaincy award without the proper clearances.
“With that, I want to offer my profound apology, unreserved, with all sincerity and humility to the Government of Anambra State. To the governor, Professor Charles C. Soludo,” the monarch added.
He also extended this apology on behalf of other traditional rulers, in his capacity as the chairman of the Anambra Central Traditional Rulers Forum, and the entire Neni community, emphasising his upbringing in the Christian faith that values humility and atonement.
“I am offering this apology on behalf of the entire Neni community. I would not want this to affect the good relationship that Neni Community and Neni citizens have with the Government of Anambra State,” Ezeani continued.
“Once more, I say, I apologise to Government and Governor of Anambra State. I am a humble person. We were brought up in first generation of Christians in this part of the country. We were brought up to apologise to anybody we have offended in a humble way, not to talk of the government. Please accept my sincere apologies. Thank you,” he ended.
The suspension was officially communicated in a letter from the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, on Monday, January 8, 2024.
The letter cited violations of the Code of Conduct for traditional rulers in Anambra and government directives aimed at curbing the abuse of chieftaincy titles.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the recipient of the controversial chieftaincy title and representative of Anambra South Senatorial District, has responded to the incident, suggesting that political motivations underpin the government’s actions.
Ubah, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after decamping from the Young Progressive Party (YPP), insinuated that Soludo’s actions were driven by envy and political insecurity, especially with the upcoming 2025 governorship elections.
As Anambra prepares for its off-season governorship election in 2025, analysts predict that the vindictive nature of Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor, will only continue to heat up the political climate in the southeastern state.
