Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, the traditional ruler of Umudiawa autonomous community in Umuahia North, Abia State, has vehemently disputed his recent suspension, labeling it a “grave injustice” and alleging it’s linked to an award he presented to President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers recently suspended Eze Ofoegbu, citing allegations of him operating a parallel traditional rulers’ forum and engaging in insubordination.
However, addressing journalists from his palace on Sunday, Eze Ofoegbu asserted that his suspension was carried out without due process.
He maintains he has not challenged the government nor violated any rules set by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Eze Ofoegbu claims that the chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, had specifically ordered him to retract the awards given to President Tinubu and Deputy Speaker Kalu.
He believes his refusal to comply with this directive played a significant role in his suspension.
According to Eze Ofoegbu, the awards were bestowed in recognition of appointments and projects benefiting Igboland under the current administration.
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Furthermore, the embattled monarch alleges that some traditional rulers in Abia were coerced into signing his suspension letter.
He clarified that the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum, which he leads, operates independently and is not in conflict with either the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers or the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
He highlighted his forum’s dedication to defending Igbo interests, including halting the demolition of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos, promoting Igbo culture, and safeguarding Igboland from external threats.
“From that day we honoured the President, I started receiving phone calls from different people. The chairman warned me not to give the President an award, saying that I will be suspended,” Eze Ofoegbu stated, underscoring his belief that the award was the catalyst for his current predicament.
He also raised concerns about traditional rulers in Abia State reportedly lacking direct access to Governor Alex Otti.
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