The traditional ruler of Umudiawa autonomous community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has been suspended for six months following allegations of insubordination to the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The suspension, which took effect through an official letter dated June 6, 2025, was confirmed on Saturday by the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah.
Clarification on Suspension Reasons
Addressing journalists, Eze Mbah clarified that the suspension was not politically motivated as some reports had suggested. He emphasized that Eze Ofoegbu was not suspended due to his support for President Bola Tinubu or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
"The suspension letter was not ambiguous. It reads in parts: 'Our letter, dated 6th June 25, 2025, refers: Consequent upon your consistent and flagrant disregard to the instructions of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers'," Mbah quoted from the official document.
"So, let me reiterate that the letter that suspended him does not in any way suggest that it is because of his attitude or behaviour towards any political official, not even President Tinubu or Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, rather it is because of his disrespect to the Council's instructions as regards to running a parallel association," he further explained.
Background on Parallel Associations
The suspension appears to be connected to a March 2025 directive when the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers disbanded all traditional rulers' associations operating in parallel with the state's official traditional rulers body.
Eze Mbah urged the people of Abia and the entire South-East region to disregard what he described as "malicious reports" circulating about the suspension.
When contacted by BenriNews, a media consultant to the suspended traditional ruler confirmed the suspension but promised to provide a detailed response at a later time.
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