Association of Anambra Traditionalists cautions Governor Soludo Against Continuous Interference in Traditional Institutions, Condemns Persecution of Awka Monarch Ezeuzu III

Association of Anambra Traditionalists cautions Governor Soludo Against Continuous Interference in Traditional Institutions, Condemns Persecution of Awka Monarch Ezeuzu III
The Association of Anambra Traditionalists has issued a strongly worded caution to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, cautioning him against what it described as continuous and unlawful interference in the traditional institutions of the state.

The group through its National Leader, Ichie Chiemezie Okoli, condemned the persecution of the Awka monarch, His Imperial Majesty Obi Dr. Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III, and referenced recent government directives as further evidence of overreach into sacred cultural matters.

In a detailed statement released in Awka, the association, which represents custodians of indigenous spirituality, customs, and traditional governance across Anambra communities, accused the state government of systematically undermining the autonomy of traditional rulers and the ancestral rights of the people. It stated that such actions threaten the cultural sovereignty of Ndi Anambra and risk deepening divisions within communities.

The association expressed outrage over what it called the “orchestrated campaign” against Ezeuzu III of Awka. It maintained that Obi Ndigwe was duly selected, installed, and enthroned by the legitimate kingmakers, the Oha Awka (Council of Elders), the Ndichie (titled men), and the broader community after full observance of required rites and consensus.

According to the group, the monarch has been on the throne for years, long before the current administration assumed office, and all traditional processes were followed in line with Awka customs.

“The Anambra State Government’s claims, threats of criminal charges, and attempts to label our rightful monarch an impostor are baseless and represent a clear violation of the autonomy of traditional institutions as recognised under Nigerian law and the customs of our people,” the statement read.

“Awka indigenes are not seeking political recognition for His Majesty. The governor should leave Awka alone and focus on governance.”

The association recalled that the chieftaincy and enthronement processes were conducted openly, including during significant cultural events such as the Igu Aro (Otite Awka) festival, which drew prominent Awka indigenes.

It noted that Governor Soludo was duly invited to related events in the past. The group further rejected findings from a government-appointed Commission of Inquiry into the Awka traditional stool dispute, describing the panel’s composition and conclusions as biased and an imposition that subordinates ancestral heritage to external political and religious interests.

Traditionalists emphasised that the matter of the Awka kingship remains subject to judicial processes in some respects and insisted that government panels cannot usurp community customs or court jurisdiction.

They warned that attempts to force acceptance of alternative leadership or to criminalise legitimate traditional authority could disrupt peace in the kingdom and alienate a significant segment of the population.

The association specifically referenced the recent directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, which outlawed parallel celebrations of the New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji, Iri Ji,).

The government statement, signed by the Commissioner, warned that no individual or group should hold New Yam Festival celebrations before or on the same date as those organised by recognised traditional rulers, describing such acts as unlawful usurpation of royal rights and a potential source of disorder.

While acknowledging the need for order, the traditionalists argued that the blanket directive and its enforcement mechanisms form part of a broader pattern of state intrusion into cultural rites that properly belong to communities and their traditional institutions.

They noted historical instances in which government security interventions had disrupted planned New Yam or related festivals associated with contested traditional leadership, including past tensions surrounding celebrations linked to Ezeuzu III.

“These directives, while framed as measures to protect tradition, are being applied selectively and in ways that further persecute authentic custodians of culture,” the association stated. “New Yam Festival is a sacred celebration of harvest, gratitude to the ancestors, and communal unity. It is not a political tool. Continuous interference in the timing, leadership, and legitimacy of such rites desecrates our heritage.”

The group linked the festival directive to earlier government positions on chieftaincy titles, including the rejection of a title conferred by Ezeuzu III on Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

It maintained that true legitimacy of traditional rulers flows primarily from community selection and ancestral rites, with government recognition serving a complementary rather than overriding role.

The Association of Anambra Traditionalists called on Governor Soludo to immediately desist from all forms of interference in traditional affairs, respect established customs, and allow communities to resolve internal matters according to their own constitutions and traditions.

It urged the government to prioritise development, security, and good governance rather than engaging in cultural disputes that risk sowing discord.

“Tradition is not for sale or political convenience. It existed long before any government and will endure long after,” the statement declared. “The land of Awka and other communities will not forgive attempts to sow confusion. The ancestors are witnesses.”

The association also appealed to sons and daughters of Awka, other Anambra communities, and the wider Igbo nation to stand in defence of their heritage. It warned that continued pressure on traditional institutions could have political consequences, noting the significant cultural and demographic influence of traditional practitioners and their supporters.

The association reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ezeuzu III and the broader traditional institution, pledging to continue advocating for the preservation of Anambra’s rich cultural identity against any form of external domination.
Association of Anambra Traditionalists cautions Governor Soludo Against Continuous Interference in Traditional Institutions, Condemns Persecution of Awka Monarch Ezeuzu III

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