Gov Otti dethrones traditional ruler in Abia

The traditional ruler of the Azumini autonomous community in Ukwa East LGA, HRM Eze Edward Ebere Eule, has been removed by the Abia State Government.

The traditional ruler, who was suspended from office by the state government in February 2024 for alleged misconduct and actions unbecoming of a traditional ruler, has been finally removed as the monarch of his community by the state government.

A press statement signed by the Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, said that Governor Alex Otti has approved the withdrawal of staff of office and certificate of recognition from Eze Eule.

The press release said that the withdrawal of the staff of office and certificate of recognition was because of the alleged refusal of Eze Ebere Eule to comply with the directives stipulated in a letter of suspension given to him on February 23, 2024, in line with the provisions of sections 12, 14 and 20 of the Abia State Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Amended Number 2 Law 2018.

According to the statement by the commissioner, the removal of the traditional ruler was a result of allegations of misconduct brought against the former traditional ruler, for which the Abia State Government set up a panel of inquiry to investigate him.

The panel, the statement affirmed, indicted Eze Edward Ebere.

The statement advised the removed monarch to cease parading himself as the traditional ruler of the Azumini autonomous community and to return the staff of office and certificate of recognition issued to him within 14 days from the day of the announcement.

The statement further affirmed that all rights and privileges previously accorded to the sacked traditional ruler have been withdrawn.