The Abia State government has suspended Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, the traditional ruler of the Ibom Isi autonomous community in the Arochukwu council area of the state in a decisive move to uphold the integrity of the traditional rulership system.
The suspension follows allegations of abuse of office and flagrant disregard for established government directives.
A letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs outlined the specific charges against Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, citing his violation of the code of conduct for traditional rulers in Abia state and the traditional rulers and autonomous communities law.
These violations include the monarch’s unauthorized involvement in the selection and crowning of Goody Kanu Idei as the new Eze Aro of the Arochukwu kingdom, a move that directly contravenes the established process and undermines the authority of the Eze Aro palace.
“You are hereby suspended from office as a traditional ruler, Ibom Isii, Arochukwu kingdom, for flagrantly flouting the provisions of the code of conduct for traditional rulers in Abia state and the traditional rulers and autonomous communities law; via abuse of office and established cases of fragrant disregard of official directives of government. A disciplinary committee has been set up to further investigate your activities and advise the government on the next steps to be taken,” the statement partly read.
However, the palace of the Eze Aro of Arochukwu kingdom has expressed its full support for the government’s decision, emphasizing that the selection of the Eze Aro is solely within the purview of the Okennachi kindred and must follow the established procedures.
The palace also highlighted that Eze Ibom Isii had no authority to interfere in this matter and that his actions threatened to disrupt the peace and order of the kingdom.
