Soludo Shuns Ofala Festival As ‘Rift’ With Obi Of Onitsha Deepens

The ongoing crisis between Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has escalated following the governor’s absence at the 2024 Onitsha Ofala Festival, an event he has regularly attended in previous years.

Governor Soludo had been a notable guest at the festival in the past, where he expressed his commitment to partnering with Achebe to enhance the significance of the annual celebration.

However, the relationship soured after the governor suspended Igwe Ezeani of Neni, who conferred a title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah—who was poised to challenge Soludo’s reelection before his untimely death in September.

This decision drew sharp criticism from Achebe, who serves as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra.

In a scathing open letter addressed to the state government, Achebe accused Governor Soludo of disrespecting traditional institutions within the state.

He lamented that while other regions in Nigeria are making strides to reinforce the role of traditional leaders, Anambra is witnessing a decline in the status and influence of its traditional institutions.

During his remarks at the Ofala festival, Achebe expressed his disappointment with the government’s actions, highlighting the dissolution of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC) and branding it an illegal entity.

“This is most unfortunate at a time when other states, as well as the Federal Government and the National Assembly, are seriously seeking ways to enhance the relevance of the traditional institution in the country,” he stated.

Achebe elaborated on the government’s refusal to convene meetings of the ASTRC, which has hindered the council’s ability to engage in meaningful discussions regarding state interests.

He noted that since March 2024, the government has effectively sidelined the council, citing its illegality despite it having previously operated under state supervision.

The traditional ruler also mentioned that he was compelled to write to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs in January 2024, addressing the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni and the subsequent demands for apologies from other royal fathers.

As tensions rise between the governor and Achebe, the governor has yet to publicly respond to the latest developments.