The Enugu State government has withdrawn the Certificate of Recognition of Igwe Anthony Ogbodo Okorie as the traditional ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state over alleged breakdown of law and order in the community.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the state government condemned the persistent crises pervading Amechi Awkunanaw Community and expressed dismay that “attempts at bringing peace to the community have been stone-walled.”
Dr. Egumgbe told the traditional ruler that law and order had broken down in his community, leading to injuries to persons and property, stressing that “the situation, if not checked, may exacerbate the present security challenges in our land.”
“In consequence therefore and pursuant to Section 10 (a) and (b) of the Traditional Rulers Laws, Cap 141, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, the government of Enugu State has suspended your recognition as the Igwe and Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Autonomous Community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State,” Dr. Egumgbe said.
Okorie, who had earlier been summoned by the commissioner to his office on Tuesday, told newsmen that the government’s claim that its action was based on the crises in his community was not true as there was no issue in his domain.
He said: “The commissioner told me that there is security crisis in Amechi but that is not true. I told him that there is no security crisis that is outstanding. In our security meeting, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Awkunanaw who is in charge of Amechi has not reported any serious breach of security in Amechi.
“The DSS also came to my palace in Amechi and never reported any serious breach of security in Amechi.
“I told them that the issue causing problem in Amechi community is landed property. The community wanted to recover their land. That is the issue and the matter is in court.”
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