Abia state government has suspended the traditional ruler of the Ibom Isi autonomous community in the Arochukwu council area of the state, Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, over alleged abuse of office.
In a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, MLGCA/CH/S.5/S.4151, titled, suspension from office as traditional ruler, addressed to Eze Dr. Kanu Nwa Kanu, Ibom Isii, Arochukwu Kingdom, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; the monarch was accused of flouting the provisions of the code of conduct for traditional rulers in Abia state as well as traditional rulers and autonomous communities law.
The letter further stated that a disciplinary committee has been set up to investigate the activities of the traditional ruler and advise the government on the next step to be taken.
Reports gathered that the state government took action against the traditional ruler over his action in crowning one of the contenders to the Eze Aro traditional stool, Goody Kanu Idei, against Prince Eberechukwu Oji, who was selected by the kingmakers of the kingdom.
The palace of the Eze Aro insisted that the suspended Eze Ibom Isii had no traditional or cultural right or role to play in the selection of Eze Aro.
“The selection of Eze Aro is the exclusive preserve of the Okennachi kindred which has followed the laid down process by selecting and presenting the new Eze Aro for the kingdom,” they said.
