The traditional ruler of Umudiawa autonomous community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has described his recent suspension from office as a grave injustice, alleging political undertones behind the action.
Addressing journalists at his palace on Sunday, Eze Ofoegbu linked his suspension to a recent award presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, by the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum — a group he chairs.
The monarch, who was suspended by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers on allegations of insubordination and running a parallel traditional rulers’ forum, insisted that due process was not followed. He maintained that he neither opposed the government nor violated any existing regulations of the Council.
He accused the Chairman of the Council, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, of instructing him to rescind the awards bestowed upon Tinubu and Kalu — a directive he refused to comply with, which he believes contributed to his suspension.
According to him, the awards were given in recognition of key appointments and developmental projects delivered to the South East under the current administration.
Eze Ofoegbu also alleged that several traditional rulers were pressured into endorsing the suspension letter. He clarified that the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum operates independently and is not in conflict with the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers or the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
He further highlighted the forum’s efforts in defending Igbo interests, citing interventions against the demolition of properties owned by Igbos in Lagos, as well as the promotion of Igbo culture and regional security.
“Since the day we honoured the President, I have received several threatening phone calls. The chairman warned me not to proceed with the award and said I would face suspension if I did,” he alleged.
The monarch also decried the limited access traditional rulers have to Governor Alex Otti, describing it as a worrisome development that undermines their role in governance and community leadership.
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