Anambra Governor and Obi of Onitsha’s Rift Escalates Amid Festival Dispute

The conflict between Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has intensified following the governor’s absence from the 2024 Onitsha Ofala Festival.

Historically a regular attendee of the festival, Soludo’s decision to skip this year’s event comes after a fallout from his suspension of Igwe Ezeani of Neni. This suspension was controversial as Igwe Ezeani had conferred a title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was expected to challenge Soludo’s reelection prior to his death in September.

Achebe, who serves as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra, expressed his discontent in an open letter to the state government, accusing Soludo of undermining traditional institutions. The Obi of Onitsha has highlighted concerns over the perceived diminishing role of traditional leadership in Anambra compared to other states in Nigeria that are striving to enhance these institutions’ relevance.

During the latest Ofala Festival, Achebe voiced his disappointment at the dissolution of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), which he leads, describing it as an unfortunate move at a time when other regions are advocating for the empowerment of traditional institutions.

He stated, “It is disheartening that while other states and the Federal Government seek to bolster traditional institutions, Anambra’s is being systematically diminished. I was surprised to find that the ASTRC had been labeled an illegal group and unable to convene to discuss state matters.”

Achebe provided context, revealing that on January 12, 2024, he wrote a public letter to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs of Anambra State. This letter was a response to the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni and a demand for apologies from two other traditional rulers. He noted that these correspondences attracted significant social media attention, which led to the suspension of the ASTRC’s monthly meetings since March 2024, under the claim that the council had become illegal.

The ongoing tension between the governor and the traditional rulers continues to raise questions about the relationship between the state government and traditional institutions in Anambra.