Abia State Warns Against Unauthorized Royal Titles and Illegal Chieftaincy Practices
The Abia State government has expressed deep concern over the misuse of royal titles such as “His Royal Majesty” and “His Royal Highness” by some individuals in various autonomous communities who are not officially recognized as traditional rulers.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, the government emphasized that certain Ezeogos (community leaders) have been using these titles unlawfully and conferring chieftaincy honors without proper authority. The statement clarified that only government-recognized traditional rulers are empowered to bestow chieftaincy titles, as stipulated by the Abia State of Nigeria Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (Amendment) Law No. 8 of 2015.
The government reiterated that the traditional institution in Abia State is highly revered and must be preserved as a respectable and reputable system. To protect the integrity of this institution, the state has canceled all celebrations and ceremonies related to the conferment of chieftaincy titles by unauthorized Ezeogos in autonomous communities such as Arochukwu, Abriba, Nkporo, and Ohafia.
“The traditional institution in the State is a respectable, reputable, and revered one, and should be treated as such. Hence, all celebrations on the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals in autonomous communities in Arochukwu, Abriba, Nkporo, and Ohafia by some Ezeogos are hereby canceled in the interest of peace in the State.
To enforce the directive, the Abia State government has placed security agencies on high alert to apprehend and prosecute any Ezeogo or individual who defies the order. The government warned that any challenge to its directive would be met with strict legal action.
The government also urged citizens to respect the sanctity of the traditional institution and avoid associating with unauthorized ceremonies or title conferrals.
The Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (Amendment) Law No. 8 of 2015 mandates that only officially recognized traditional rulers can confer chieftaincy titles, ensuring that honorees are individuals of proven integrity and unquestionable character. By bypassing this law, unauthorized Ezeogos undermine the credibility of the institution and create discord in communities.
The Abia State government’s stance reflects its commitment to upholding the integrity of the traditional institution and maintaining peace and order in the state. It remains firm in ensuring that only government-recognized traditional rulers exercise authority in line with the law, safeguarding the traditions and culture of the people.
