Tensions rise as police teargas monarchs in Anambra

Tension rise in Awka, Anambra State as Palace of acclaimed traditional ruler Austine Ndigwe was sealed off by security operatives. Police officers went on to teargas the traditional rulers and other guests at the palace before shooting in the air to disperse the crowd.

It was reported that influential monarchs from all over of the country visited the Palace on the invitation of the factional monarch of Awka Kingdom, Austine Ndigwe.

Before the sealing of the arena, the Policemen, suspected to have come from the Zone -13, Ukpo, Dinukofia local government area of Anambra State and dispersed guests at the palace for the new yam festival.

Ndigwe, who parades himself as the traditional ruler of Awka Kingdom, is not recognised by the Anambra State government.

It is alleged that billionaire oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze, influenced the sealing of the palace.

But one of his media aides told The Nation the allegation was from the pit of hell.

The source said the oil mogul was above doing such things, adding that emissaries of rift should give the man space to enjoy his peace .

Another source alleged that the invasion was on the orders of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

However, speaking with The Nation Saturday, the Anambra Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Collins Nwabunwanne, said people should leave his boss out of it.

He said security operatives who invaded the place knew the kingdom had only one traditional ruler, which was Obi Gibson Nwosu.

Nwabunwanne maintained Ndigwe was impersonating, adding that the State Government does not recognise him as one of the monarchs in Anambra.

According to him: ” Our principal, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has no hand in what is happening, but one thing is clear, Austine Ndigwe is not the traditional ruler of Awka. The traditional ruler is Obi Gibson Nwosu, who is still alive.

“Before now, a letter was sent to him to stop parading himself as a traditional ruler, yet, he insisted on celebrating New Yam festival like a king by inviting people.

“The Policemen who stormed his house are aware and know the monarch of Awka. They’re doing their job and I equally believe they know all the traditional rulers in Anambra State “.the Commissioner said

Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ikenga Tochukwu denied knowledge of the incident.

He told The Nation that he would make enquiries and get back but was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report

One of the Senior Police Officers in Anambra, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the incident.

The source said they would not allow such celebration to hold when the government was not aware of it, adding that the acclaimed monarch was impersonating.

The source hinted the monarch would soon be arrested and prosecuted for impersonation

(Nation)