Igbo Monarchs Resist State Overreach: The Battle for Autonomy in Chieftaincy Conferments

 

In the heart of Nigeria's Southeast region, a simmering conflict between state governments and traditional rulers is threatening the sanctity of Igbo cultural institutions. Recent directives from the Anambra and Enugu state governments requiring monarchs to seek official clearance before conferring chieftaincy titles have sparked widespread outrage among traditional leaders, who view these measures as an unwarranted intrusion into their domain.55a223

The controversy centers on policies aimed at vetting potential title recipients, particularly non-indigenes, to ensure they have no questionable backgrounds. In Anambra, the Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct stipulates that for individuals from outside a community, approval must be obtained from both the recipient's home traditional ruler and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.a898af Commissioner Tony Collins Nwabunwanne emphasized that this process prevents arbitrary honors and maintains the integrity of the titles, stating, "The conferment of chieftaincy titles in the state is the exclusive prerogative of recognised/certified traditional rulers in their respective communities... in the case of a person from outside of such community, the approval of the traditional ruler of the potential conferee’s community and the Commissioner for Local Government must be sought and obtained."403118

Similarly, in Enugu, a directive from Commissioner Deacon Okey Ogbodo requires traditional rulers to submit names, addresses, and CVs of proposed awardees at least one month in advance for security profiling and due diligence.5b9736 The goal, according to Ogbodo, is "to forestall conferring chieftaincy titles on individuals with questionable public image."0a7744

However, these mandates have been met with fierce resistance from monarchs across Igbo land. HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, the paramount ruler of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom in Abia State, described the policies as "dictatorial" and an overstep of boundaries.dbdd59 "They are trying to overstep their bounds. They should know their limits. That is too much," he said, adding that such interference is unacceptable and undermines the authority of traditional rulers who are the true custodians of the people's culture.82f905 Eze Ogbu highlighted that in Abia, no such government directive exists, allowing rulers to operate independently.

In contrast, states like Ebonyi and Imo afford their traditional leaders greater autonomy. Ebonyi's Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Uchenna Igwe, affirmed that rulers have the power to confer titles without interference, as long as the recipients are deemed fit.bebf3e Ezeogo Sunday Oketa from Ebonyi echoed this, noting that chieftaincy matters are community affairs, not governmental ones.1786fc In Imo, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, explained that intervention only occurs if the recipient has a questionable character or if proper consultations are lacking, with a limit of three titles per conferment except in special cases.bcd862

Critics argue that these directives reflect a broader erosion of traditional institutions in the Southeast. Chief Johnson Okolo, a former industrial cluster chairman in Anambra, lambasted the policies as a sign of disrespect, comparing them unfavorably to practices in other regions like the North, where sultans confer titles without gubernatorial approval.0a056a "This nonsense and insult to traditional rulers can only happen in the South-East," Okolo stated, attributing the issue to governors forcing monarchs into politics, thus stripping them of independence.dbf09d

The clash has deeper roots in the post-colonial structure of Nigerian governance, where state-issued Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office give governments leverage over traditional rulers.70edd0 Advocates for reform suggest that these symbols of authority should emanate from communities, not state houses, to restore true autonomy.

As tensions mount, Igbo leaders are calling for dialogue to preserve cultural heritage while addressing security concerns. Without resolution, this power struggle could further divide communities and weaken the fabric of traditional leadership in Igbo land.

This issue gained additional spotlight in late 2025 when Awka kingmakers condemned Governor Soludo's interference in traditional rulership, particularly regarding a chieftaincy ceremony during the Igu Aro festival.9aa8c5 Such incidents underscore the ongoing battle for balance between modern governance and ancient customs.