Soludo reconciles with Oni of Onitsha, reinstates suspended monarch

Nwanosike Onu, Awka  Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reconciled with the Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe after a spat over traditional rulers.

The Governor reinstated the suspended traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha local government area, Igwe Damian Ezeani.

The monarch, among others, were alleged to have conferred  unauthorised  chieftaincy titles on some persons, especially Senator  Ifeanyi Ubah, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ubah is believed to be preparing to challenge Soludo for the governorship seat in 2025

Following the suspension and other issues, Igwe Achebe wrote a long letter, condemning Soludo, accusing him of having no regard for traditional institution in the State.

But in a statement in Awka on wednesday, the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, said Soludo reinstated the suspended Neni monarch and forgave two others for their alleged infractions.

He said  the Governor forgave the traditional rulers’ trespasses in a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 monarchs.

The meeting, according to Aburime,  held  at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.

Aburime said while Igwe Ezeani was reinstated, the monarchs of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu  were forgiven after apologies .

Aburime said the Governor also addressed some of the welfare issues of the monarchs.

According to him: “The Governor announced that with the apologies of the affected Traditional Rulers, the State government accepts their apologies, and subsequently reinstates the Traditional Ruler of Neni, and forgive the Traditional Rulers of Ojoto  and Aguluezechukwu.

“Mr Governor further clarified the legal status of the Igwe Nawfia as advised by his legal team.

“As part of the vote of thanks, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto passed the votes of thanks and requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.

“The meeting ended on a high note with the traditional leaders having photo sessions with Mr Governor “