In the battles between giants, the ordinary noble must know where to cast loyalties or keep silent. Thankfully, despite leaning on an insecure branch before, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Damian Ezeani, has been restored to his monarch status, thanks to the reconciliatory exercise between Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe.
It was a harrowing set of weeks for some as it seemed as if Governor Soludo was going to upturn the traditional institution due to perceived wrongs and Igwe Achebe was going to use every means possible to correct him publicly. But the horror of such an outcome never came to pass, thanks to the timely intervention of well-meaning individuals and the realisation of truth from the dignitaries involved.
The entire dilemma appeared to start from Igwe Ezeani. It was he who took the step of conferring a chieftaincy title on someone from another region without the authorization of the latter region’s monarch. According to public commentators, it was a matter of Igwe Ezeani recognising Soludo’s political rival, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, with a chieftaincy title.
As Igwe Ezeani did not appear to have the backing of the strong, he received the lashing of Soludo in the form of an immediate suspension. Although there were complaints against Soludo’s actions, many of which accused him of being power-hungry, all such complaints were uttered in hushed tones. That is, until Igwe Achebe came up and used his ancient machete.
When it seemed as if war would break out, Soludo’s side relented. The outcome was the reinstatement of Igwe Ezeani and Soludo’s reconciliation with everybody else under the smiling encouragement of Igwe Achebe. Senator Ubah was not included, but that is likely a fight for another day.
Now, all matters have been settled between the traditional stools in Anambra and Governor Soludo. Peace has returned and good times are here.
