The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has presented certificates of recognition to six newly-elected traditional rulers, highlighting the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development.
While presenting the certificates at the Light House, Awka, on Friday, Soludo urged the monarchs to prioritise good governance, their people’s welfare, and community harmony.
The governor said the event reflected the state government’s commitment to strengthening traditional leadership for community development.
He added, “The office of the traditional ruler is a creation of the town union constitutions in most communities. These constitutions define the responsibilities of the traditional rulers.
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“The monarchs are tasked to abide by the constitutions of their respective communities to avoid the usual issues that arise between traditional rulers and presidents-general.
“We urged them to be the light and father of all, while encouraging communities to claim ownership and maintain the traditional institution.
“The certificates emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development, and the monarchs are urged to prioritise good governance, their people’s welfare, and community harmony.”
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, stated that the monarchs’ emergence followed the constitutions of their respective communities before being presented to the governor.
He added that the Public-Private-Community Partnership model is now effective, as many individuals have contributed significantly to their communities, with other states adopting similar approaches, especially under the amended local government laws.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, expressed confidence that the new rulers are “tested and trusted,” predicting less rancour, animosity, and chaos in the communities and pledging the council’s support.
Recipients who were recognised included the traditional ruler of Azigbo in Nnewi South LGA, Igwe Justice Samuel Okoye of Azigbo; traditional ruler of Isulo in Orumba South LGA, Igwe Clement Onwuka; traditional ruler of Amawbia in Awka South LGA, Igwe Uche Okonkwo.
Others were traditional ruler of Adazi-Ani in Anaocha LGA, Igwe Benson Madubuko of Adazi-Ani; traditional ruler of Ora-Eri in Aguata LGA, Igwe Ejike Ugoagbala; and traditional ruler of Ndiowu in Orumba North LGA, Igwe Ben Okekeifi.
