Anambra King asks court to compel subject to recognise him as Igwe

Igwe Austin Ozoemenam Nwankwo, has instituted before a chief magistrate over the refusal of one of his subjects to recognise him as traditional ruler.

Igwe Nwankwo, traditional ruler of Isiagu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, prayed the court to compel Chief Ben Ifeatu, also a claimant to the throne, to recognize him as the traditional ruler.

Nwankwo in an affidavit deposed before the court on Wednesday said that rival has refused to address him as Igwe but addresses him as Chief Austin Nwankwo.

He said: “Chief Ifeatu had continued to address me as Chief Austin Nwankwo, when he is aware I am his traditional ruler.

Also Read: ‘DPO drank my keg of palm wine without paying me, later burnt my house’, Man tells Panel

“When he started contending my position as traditional ruler of Isiagu ancient kingdom, I tendered my certificate of recognition in the court. Government of Anambra State gave me certificate as traditional ruler of Isiagu; I am also the chairman of Awka South Traditional Rulers Council.

“When I tendered the certificate in the High Court, none of Chief Ifeatu and his counsel, N.O Nwadinobi, raised objection; yet, he had continued to address me as mere chief”.

However, Chief Ifeatu in counter-affidavit said he will not recognize Nwankwo as his traditional ruler as “Only him knows how and where he got the certificate of recognition. So, it behooves on him to prove to the court that he is the authentic traditional ruler.”

He further countered that the traditional stool of the community was still subject to contention at the State High Court, Awka.

Chief Magistrate O.N Ike, in her ruling, advised counsel to the plaintiff to apply officially in written address to enable the court to study the application and act accordingly.

“Let the truth be told, since he has tendered his certificate in court, which is deemed to have been issued by the state, it is proper to address him as Igwe; until it is proved otherwise by the court.”

The matter was adjourned to March 17, for continuation of hearing.