Somto BisinaAnambra State government has declared as an impostor, Augustin Chukwuezube Ndigwe who has been parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka Kingdom and threatened to sanction him if he does not desist from performing traditional functions.
A statement released on Saturday, September 10, 2022, signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, indicated that Ndigwe has been portraying himself as the traditional ruler where as the original traditional ruler of Akwa is Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu who is legally recognised by the state government.
The statement further noted that despite warnings in the past to desist from portraying himself as the traditional ruler, Ndigwe has carried on, and is currently preparing to host new yam festival which threatens the peace and tranquillity of the town.
Nwosu stated that such an act of Ndigwe is unlawful and attracts sanctions, as the only recognised traditional ruler of Awka is Igwe Gibson Nwosu. He added that the state government will not tolerate it.
The statement reads, “It has come to the attention of the Anambra State government that one Augustin Chukwuezube Ndigwe, also known as Uzu Awka, is still parading himself as the authentic traditional ruler of Akwa. Not only that, but he is also taking steps to perform one of the major harvest season’s traditional rites known as New Yam Festival or ‘Íwa Ji’ thereby threatening the peace and tranquillity of the town.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the state government wishes to state emphatically that the only recognised traditional ruler of Awka is His Royal Highness, Igwe Obi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Akwa whose recognition by the state government has not been withdrawn.”
The commissioner explained that only Igwe Nwosu is “empowered by section 15 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007 to preside over such festivals or carry out any of the functions of a traditional ruler in Awka.
“It is a criminal offence for any other person to do so by virtue of section 20 of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State 2007.
“The said Augstin Ndigwe is not the recognized traditional ruler of Awka and should henceforth desist from parading and portraying himself as the traditional Ruler of Awka or attempting to usurp the rights of the legitimate and duly recognized traditional ruler” the commissioner warned.
“ Any such unlawful act in any part of Anambra State would not be condoned by the Anambra state government and the state will not hesitate to sanction the imposter according to the relevant state laws,” the statement added.
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