Debate Grows Over Government Approval for Chieftaincy Titles in South-East

A growing controversy has emerged in the South-East over directives by some state governments requiring traditional rulers to obtain official clearance before conferring chieftaincy titles, a move many monarchs and Igbo leaders have described as undue interference in traditional affairs.

The Anambra and Enugu State governments have directed recognised traditional rulers to seek approval from their respective Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before honouring individuals, particularly those from outside their communities. The policy requires submission of details of proposed conferees for profiling and approval, a step government officials say is aimed at due diligence and security checks.

In Anambra State, the directive has been incorporated into the Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct. The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, said while traditional rulers retain the prerogative to confer titles, approvals are required when the recipient is not an indigene or resident of the community.

However, several monarchs have rejected the policy. The paramount ruler of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom in Abia State, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu (Enachioken Abiriba), described the directive as dictatorial and an unnecessary encroachment on the authority of traditional institutions, insisting that monarchs carefully scrutinise recipients through their councils.

Similarly, Enugu State has issued a directive mandating traditional rulers to submit names and detailed profiles of potential awardees at least one month before any conferment, a move the government says is meant to prevent individuals of questionable character from being honoured.

In contrast, Ebonyi State maintains a different approach. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Uchenna Igwe, said traditional rulers in the state are free to confer titles on deserving individuals without government interference, a position confirmed by local monarchs.

In Imo State, the Council of Traditional Rulers said it only intervenes when a recipient’s character is questionable or proper consultation is lacking, emphasising internal regulation rather than government control.

Critics argue that the directives undermine the independence and dignity of traditional institutions, warning that excessive government involvement could erode respect for monarchs and fuel tension within Igbo communities.