Anambra authorities explain recognition of traditional ruler despite court order
The Anambra State government in Nigeria said it did not violate a court order by recognising Nzekwesi Nweke as the traditional ruler of the Nsugbe community in Anambra East Local Government Area. Governor Charles Soludo on Tuesday issued Nweke a certificate of recognition after he was declared the winner of disputed elections on 30 August, according to Premium Times Nigeria.
Court order
The Anambra State High Court on 5 August ordered the parties to maintain the status quo that existed on 8 July — the day the substantive suit was filed — pending an amicable or judicial resolution of the dispute. The suit was filed by five community residents: Chukwuma Omeni, Okechukwu Dibua, Emmanuel Nwalunor, Obichukwu Nwokike and Igwebuike Ado.
The defendants were 15 people, including 10 members of the Nsugbe election committee for the selection of a traditional ruler. The list also included Nnamdi Okeke, the president-general of the Nsugbe Development Union. The order barred the parties from organising, holding, concluding or giving effect to the election or selection of a new igwe — the traditional ruler of Nsugbe from the Ivite quarter — on 8 August and until the case was concluded.
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State authorities' position
Nnaemeka Uga, the governor's senior special assistant on legal matters, said the Anambra government was not a party to the suit and that the court order did not restrict its powers. According to him, the court decision concerned the 8 August election, which, based on information received from the community, was cancelled in compliance with the order.
Uga also claims that the parties settled the dispute over the voting procedure by abandoning the contested delegate system in favour of universal adult suffrage. According to his version, this was facilitated by an interim committee created by the state authorities after the activities of the Nsugbe Development Union were suspended.
Nzekwesi Nweke is the elder brother of Anambra State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Tobechukwu Nweke. On 29 August, a group calling itself concerned Nsugbe indigenes and stakeholders appealed to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, alleging a possible conflict of interest due to the official's family and political connection to the case. In response, Uga said that the attorney general has no legally prescribed role in organising elections or recognising a traditional ruler and did not participate in the electoral process.
