Unknown Gunmen on Friday shot and killed the former traditional ruler of Aguleri Town in Anambra East Local government area , Alex Edozieuno, and his driver, simply identified as Chukwuemeka.
The duo men were ambushed and killed at Otuocha in the Local Government Area early on Friday.
When contacted, the state police command’s Public Relations Office, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, has ordered investigation on the matter.
Tochukwu said the Commissioner of Police has led a team of police operatives to the scene of murder incident along Ikem Ivife Village by Ezu bridge, Otuocha, Anambra East.
The police image maker said the CP described the incident as man’s inhumanity to man and ordered immediate investigation into the incident.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the victims, one Mr Alex Edozieuno, 62yrs old, a former traditional ruler of Nkpunado Community Anambra East LGA and his driver Chukwuemeka( other names yet to be identified) were attacked by suspected gunmen by 10am along Ezu bridge, Otuocha.
“The exhibits recovered from the scene include; one Lexus 470 with plate reg No Aguleri-1 belonging to the victim and some expended ammunition.
“Meanwhile the bodies have been deposited to the Mortuary. Further development shall be communicated.”
The governor Willie Obiano suspended Edozieuno and 11 other traditional rulers for one year following what the state government described as “an ill-advised trip to Abuja without consultation or approval from the Government of Anambra State”.
Announcing the suspension in a circular titled “Suspension of Twelve (12) Traditional Rulers in Anambra State,” and dated Tuesday August 11, 2020, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi listed the affected traditional rulers as follows –
1. Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando
2. Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor
3. Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite
4. Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha
5. Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia
6. Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam
7. Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle
8. Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga
9. Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo
10. Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira
11. Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu
12. Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.
The suspension took effect from Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
The circular warned the suspended traditional rulers not to parade themselves as traditional rulers and desist from discharging their functions as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere within the state and beyond with immediate effect.
The circular also revoked their membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and cancelled any appointment they may be holding in government committees until the suspension is lifted.
“The suspension may be lifted at the end of one year, renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of the conduct of the errant royal fathers,” the circular by the state government read.
“The suspension of the Igwes followed the recommendation of their colleagues in the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council after their meeting at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka on Tuesday which took umbrage at the public conduct of the 12 Igwes that has been generating negative reviews in the media in the past one week.
“The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe had strongly condemned the ill-fated trip of the rebellious traditional rulers who were lured to Abuja by a controversial billionaire on a chest-thumping mission to demonstrate his ambition to turn Anambra State into his private fiefdom.
“In leaving their respective domains without notifying either the state or their respective local governments, the traditional rulers had violated the code of conduct prescribed for their office”.
