The Anambra State government has suspended planned traditional rulership election, Innoma, Igala speaking community in Anambra West local government area of the state.
The government said the succession race should remain pending till the last Ofala of the deceased traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Olota.
The ultimatum was contained in a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne.
The letter dated 17th June, 2022, was copied to the leadership of Innoma community, the security agencies as well as other relevant organizations in Anambra state.
Addressing the community in the letter, the Commissioner cautioned that no one should elect or crown any person as a traditional ruler of the community until the final passage rites had been performed for the late monarch. He added that anyone or group of persons found would face the wrath of the law.
Nwabunwanne insisted that every community in the state has a constitutional provision that stipulates the modus operandi of any traditional ruler’s election.
The letter read: “It has come to the notice of the state government that some group of people has formed a pressure group against the community’s chieftaincy constitution and allegedly elected and crowned a traditional ruler for Innoma community without due process.
“An act, if not checked could lead to a possible breakdown of law and order in the state.
“In view of this, the state government wishes to inform the generality of Innoma community to stop all further process of election and selection of a new traditional ruler, pending the last Ofala of His Royal Highness (HRH) Igwe Emmanuel Olota of Innoma, who had joined his ancestors.
“The community through the President General should also keep the state government informed whenever the process of having a new traditional ruler commences and should strictly adhere to the provisions of the Innoma chieftaincy constitution as it relates to the selection of a traditional ruler.
“The state government will not hesitate to sanction anybody who parades or carry out any function as the traditional ruler of the Innoma community.”
