The Abia State government has expressed strong reservation about the flagrant abuse of the appellations “His Royal Majesty,” and “His Royal Highness” by some Ezeogos in various autonomous communities in the state even when they are not government recognised traditional rulers.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, said that it has also been proven that the Ezeogos conferred chieftaincy titles on some citizens and friends of their various autonomous communities when they are not in the position to confer such chieftaincy titles on people.
The statement further stressed that the Abia State of Nigeria Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (Amendment) Law No. 8 of 2015, stipulates that only government-recognised traditional rulers have the right to confer chieftaincy titles on persons of proven integrity and unquestionable character.
According to the statement: “The traditional institution in the State is a respectable, reputable and revered one, and should be treated as such, hence, all celebration on conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals in autonomous communities in Arochukwu, Abriba, Nkporo and Ohafia by some Ezeogos is hereby cancelled in the interest of peace in the State.”
The Abia State Government further said: “Security agencies have been put on red alert to arrest and prosecute any Ezeogo or individual in any autonomous
community who challenges the government’s directive.”