Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has warned that his government has opted to withhold the prosecution of those involved in the Awka traditional leadership tussle, but will not tolerate any such act henceforth.
According to the governor, the decision is to ensure the peaceful resolution of the crisis and the restoration of harmony in the town.
Governor Soloudo stated this during a meeting he had with Ozo Awka Society at Light House, Awka.
Awka community has been in crisis over plans by an Ozo title holder, Austine Ndigwe, to dethrone the traditional ruler of the town, Obi Gibson Nwosu.
After many years of the crisis, Soludo had set up a commission to look into the matter, invite and hear from all the parties involved and then, make recommendations to the state government.
The commission had completed its work and submitted its report, from which a White Paper had been produced.
Addressing the Ozo Awka society, Soludo made it clear that while the state possesses the necessary evidence to proceed with the prosecution of individuals involved in the crisis, it chose the path of dialogue in the interest of peace.
Governor Soludo explained that his administration’s involvement in the traditional rulership tussle was a necessity of leadership rather than a preference.
He noted that findings by the Commission of Enquiry set up on the crisis confirmed Obi Gibson Nwosu as the only legally recognised monarch, thereby nullifying any alternative claims to the throne.
Soludo emphasized that state laws strictly prohibit the installation of parallel traditional rulers and clearly stipulate the penalties for such infractions.
“The Commission of Enquiry was clear: Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned. Chief Austine Ndigwe, my friend, was never legally enthroned.
“The law is law. If you parade as a second traditional ruler in one community, you go to jail. Period.
“This isn’t about personalities. It’s about order. And zoning. Your own constitution says it’s Nkwelle’s turn. Let’s respect it,” he said.
On the physical development of Awka, the Governor highlighted his commitment to transforming City into a modern metropolitan centre, recalling the successful completion of the new 57-building Light House, the Solution Fun City, among other projects, as evidence of a new era.
The Governor proposed the development of a central palace for the Traditional Ruler of Awka, Eze Uzu Awka.
Speaking on behalf of the Ozo Awka Society, Ozo Chukwujekwu Eze, who led the delegation, acknowledged the Governor’s position and the olive branch extended to the town on the traditional rulership tussle.
