Governor absent from Ofala festival as crisis with Obi of Onitsha deepens
The escalating conflict between Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has reached a new low, particularly after Soludo’s absence at the 2024 Onitsha Ofala Festival on Friday.
Last year, during his attendance, Soludo had pledged to collaborate with Achebe to enhance the festival.
However, relations soured after the governor suspended Igwe Ezeani of Neni for conferring a title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who had been preparing to challenge Soludo’s reelection before his death in September.
This suspension, which also affected two others, sparked outrage from Achebe, who chairs the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council.
In an open letter to the state government, Achebe criticized Soludo for failing to respect traditional institutions.
Despite this tension, Soludo extended an olive branch by convening a meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
During the latest Ofala festival, Achebe accused Soludo of undermining the role of traditional institutions in Anambra.
He lamented that while other states are working to elevate the status of traditional leadership, Anambra’s institutions are being diminished.
Achebe expressed shock at discovering that the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), which he leads, had been dissolved and labeled an illegal entity.
He stated, “This is most unfortunate at a time when other states and the Federal Government are actively seeking to enhance the relevance of traditional institutions.”
He further criticised the ASTRC’s inability to convene discussions on state matters, leaving the traditional institution without a mandate to engage in important national or local affairs.
