Obiano Erred In Dethroning 13 Monarchs -Soludo's Aide

BY BONIFACE OKECHUKWU


The commissioner for local government, chieftaincy and community matters, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne has stated that the immediate past administration of Chief Willie Obiano erred by dethroning 13 traditional rulers in the state for traveling to the presidential villa during the administration.

Nwabunwanne also told newsmen that the state government will take a position next week on the controversy surrounding the traditional stool of Nawfia community in Njikoka local government area of the state which Obiano administration caused by dethroning the traditional ruler, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo.

Nwankwo was one of the 13 traditional rulers the Obiano administration suspended from their stool for accompanying the state-born oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze on a courtesy visit to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa.

The Obiano government accused the monarchs of traveling out of the state without the permission of the state government, and, therefore suspended the affected traditional rulers.

But Nwabunwanne argued that the action of the government was an infringement on the freedom of movement of the monarchs.

He stated that the state government had already stopped recognition of Chief Dan Obele who the Obiano administration later enthroned as the traditional ruler of Nawfia adding that the government was waiting for the final judgement of the Court on the pending suit concerning the Nawfia traditional stool.

He stated that the government had even advised the parties in Court over the Nawfia traditional stool to withdraw the case from the Court, so as to allow peace to reign in the community.

Nwabunwanne also stated that the state House of Assembly even cautioned the former Governor Obiano government for suspending the 13 traditional rulers.

Some concerned indigenes of Nawfia who spoke to LEADERSHIP WEEKEND rather accused Hon Nwabunwanne of delaying reinstatement of Nwankwo arguing that he had been compromised by Chief Obele, otherwise, the government ought to have reinstated Nwankwo to his throne.

But Nwabunwanne said that why the state government has not been able to take a decision in Nawfia's case is because the disputing parties have refused to take the case out from the Court.

Good