The All Progressives Congress (APC) SouthEast has issued a robust condemnation in response to the recent suspension and arrest of traditional rulers in Anambra and Abia states. The party, deeply disturbed by what it perceives as a derogatory assault on Igbo traditional institutions, specifically addresses the suspension of HRH Damian Onwuamaeze Ezeani, the Igwe of Neni Community, and the arrest of Eze, Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom.
The SouthEast zone of the APC emphasizes the significance of these actions, pointing out the potential repercussions for the cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The party’s statement underscores the need for prominent Igbo figures and the pan-Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, to publicly denounce these incidents as they represent an alarming intrusion into the revered traditional institutions.
The suspension of HRH Damian Onwuamaeze Ezeani has sparked considerable controversy. The Igwe of Neni Community faced disciplinary measures from the Soludo administration for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a member of the All Progressives Congress. The suspension has raised questions about the administration’s motives, with the APC SouthEast suggesting that it might be a political maneuver to align the prestigious crowns and stools in Anambra State with the government led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Similarly, the arrest of Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, has drawn attention. Idei was detained over allegations of impersonation, despite having been rightfully crowned as the Eze Aro by the traditional ruler of Ibom Isii, Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu. The APC SouthEast contends that the arrest is an unwarranted interference by the Abia State Government, led by Alex Otti, and accuses Otti of attempting to impose an unpopular figure, Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu.
In response to these developments, the APC SouthEast firmly asserts that such actions constitute an aberrational affront against Igbo traditional institutions. The party decries the perceived attempts by the Abia and Anambra state governments to subordinate Igbo crowns and stools to their respective political agendas. This, according to the APC SouthEast, undermines the sanctity of Igbo traditions and necessitates a collective response from the Igbo community.
The party calls upon the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, as well as influential Igbo figures across the country and other well-meaning Nigerians, to condemn these acts. The APC SouthEast believes that the suspension and arrest not only violate the rights and duties of traditional rulers but also jeopardize the cultural identity of the Igbo people. The statement implores Igbos worldwide to unite against what it perceives as an overreach by the administrations of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Governor Alex Otti.
The APC SouthEast raises poignant questions about the motivations behind the suspension of Igwe Neni and the arrest of Eze Idei. It challenges the justification for penalizing the traditional rulers for carrying out their customary duties. The party argues that the suspension of Igwe Neni for conferring a title on a Senator of APC extraction raises concerns about potential political motivations behind the disciplinary action.
The statement also questions the arrest of Eze Idei, emphasizing that he had been rightfully crowned as the Eze Aro and suggesting that the arrest is politically motivated. The APC SouthEast accuses Governor Alex Otti of attempting to impose a less popular figure on the people of Arochukwu, further complicating the situation by asserting that Otti is using his political influence to interfere with traditional leadership.
The party appeals to the broader Igbo community, calling for solidarity and collective action against what it perceives as an unwarranted assault on Igbo tradition. By invoking comparisons with how leaders from other ethnic groups might treat their traditional rulers, the APC SouthEast highlights the uniqueness and reverence of Igbo traditional institutions. It questions whether a Yoruba or Fulani leader would subject their first-class traditional rulers to similar treatment, emphasizing the historical significance and antiquity of the Eze Aro stool.
