Eze Ofoegbu Speaks Out: “I Was Suspended for Recognizing Tinubu’s Achievements”
The embattled traditional ruler of Umudiawa Autonomous Community in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has broken his silence following his recent suspension by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, describing the action as null and void and lacking any constitutional or traditional basis.
Speaking during a press briefing held at his palace in Umudiawa, Eze Ofoegbu insisted that he committed no offence to warrant the suspension, which he claimed was politically motivated and a reaction to his open recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s achievements.
“My only offence, if any, is that I led my forum to give an award of recognition to President Tinubu, through the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. We did this in acknowledgment of his visible developmental strides in the South East,” Eze Ofoegbu stated.
The monarch, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ndigbo Progressives Traditional Rulers Forum, maintained that his forum acted within its rights. He noted that the gesture was aimed at encouraging the President to do more for the South East region.
“We are traditional rulers, not politicians. Recognizing positive impact, regardless of political affiliation, is part of our duty to our people,” he added.
On the state of traditional institution governance in Abia, Eze Ofoegbu raised concerns over the non-remittance of the constitutionally mandated 5% of local government allocations to traditional rulers. He lamented that this continued denial of funds has crippled the ability of monarchs to effectively carry out their duties, particularly in the fight against insecurity at the grassroots level.
“Without adequate funding, we cannot tackle issues like youth restiveness, cultism, and insecurity in our communities. It’s unfortunate that we are being gagged and then expected to perform magic,” he said.
Eze Ofoegbu’s comments come in the wake of an official statement by the Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, who stated that the monarch was suspended for alleged insubordination.
However, Eze Ofoegbu countered the claim, stating that due process was not followed and no formal query or hearing was conducted before his suspension was announced.
The incident has triggered conversations across the state regarding freedom of expression, the role of traditional rulers in national unity, and the politicization of cultural institutions.
Observers believe that this development could escalate tensions within the Abia traditional council unless quickly addressed by relevant authorities.
