*Orders Town Unions To Report Offenders
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The Anambra State Government has warned that anyone presenting himself as a traditional ruler without formal recognition and certification by the state will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Vincent Ezeaka, issued the warning in a circular addressed to presidents-general of town unions across the state.
The circular, titled “Unlawful Assumption of Office and Parading as Traditional Ruler by Persons Not Recognised by the Anambra State Government,” followed reports that some individuals were assuming traditional titles and performing duties reserved for recognised monarchs.
Ezeaka said the government had received complaints about persons who, despite not being officially recognised, allowed themselves to be addressed as traditional rulers and carried out functions associated with the institution.
He maintained that only individuals duly selected and appointed in accordance with the applicable community procedures and subsequently recognised by the Anambra State Government are legally entitled to function as traditional rulers.
According to the commissioner, unlawfully assuming a reserved traditional title or performing the functions of a recognised monarch constitutes a criminal offence under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law and may attract imprisonment upon conviction.
The state government consequently directed presidents-general and other community leaders to report persons allegedly presenting themselves as traditional rulers without official recognition.
Such complaints are to be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Anambra State Ministry of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution.
Ezeaka said the government had resolved to take legal action against anyone found unlawfully assuming the office, title or responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
Town union leaders were also directed to circulate the warning among community executives, village heads and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance.
The government said the measure was intended to protect the integrity of the traditional institution, prevent competing claims to traditional stools and ensure that the selection and recognition of monarchs followed established law.
The directive comes amid traditional leadership disputes in some Anambra communities, where rival groups have disagreed over the selection, appointment and recognition of monarchs.
The government maintained that until a person receives formal recognition and certification, he cannot legally exercise the powers, privileges or responsibilities attached to the office of a traditional ruler in the state.
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