Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced that the Anambra State Government will temporarily withhold the prosecution of individuals involved in the Awka traditional leadership crisis.
Governor Soludo who disclosed this during a meeting with the Ozo Awka Society at the Government House in Awka, said it is to allow room for peaceful resolution and reconciliation in the community.
The governor stated that although the government possesses sufficient evidence to prosecute those linked to the crisis, it deliberately chose dialogue and peace-building in the interest of restoring harmony in the town.
He explained that the state government’s involvement in the traditional rulership dispute became necessary as part of its responsibility to maintain law and order, and not out of personal interest.
According to the governor, findings by the Commission of Enquiry established Obi Gibson Nwosu as the only legally-recognised traditional ruler of Awka, effectively nullifying any parallel claims to the throne.
Governor Soludo further stressed that Anambra State laws prohibit the installation of parallel traditional rulers and prescribe penalties for anyone found violating the law.
Speaking on the development of Awka, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the state capital into a modern metropolitan city.
He cited projects such as the newly completed 57-building Light House complex and the Solution Fun City as indicators of ongoing transformation in the state.
Professor Soludo also proposed the construction of a central palace for the Traditional Ruler of Awka, the Eze Uzu Awka.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Ozo Chukwujekwu Eze, commended the governor for extending an olive branch to the community over the traditional leadership dispute and acknowledged the government’s peace initiative.
