Soludo Skips Ofala Festival as Tensions with Obi of Onitsha Intensify

The conflict between Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has worsened following Soludo’s noticeable absence from the 2024 Onitsha Ofala Festival.This marked a shift from Soludo’s earlier involvement, where he had previously participated in the event and expressed a desire to work with Achebe to elevate the festival.continue Reading>>>

The disagreement began when Soludo suspended Igwe Ezeani of Neni, who had recently honored the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah with a title. Ubah had been planning to challenge Soludo’s re-election before his sudden death in September, further straining relations.

Soludo’s decision to suspend two additional traditional rulers worsened the situation, drawing strong criticism from Achebe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra State.In a strongly worded open letter, Achebe accused Soludo of showing open disrespect for traditional authorities in the state.In an effort to mend the relationship, Soludo called for a meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.

However, by then, the damage to their relationship had already been done.During the recent Ofala festival, Achebe took the opportunity to publicly condemn Soludo’s actions, accusing the governor of weakening the influence of traditional rulers in Anambra.Achebe expressed frustration that, while other states were strengthening their traditional institutions, Anambra’s was being undermined.continue Reading>>>

Achebe was particularly shocked to learn that the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), which he led, had been dissolved and declared an illegal entity.This dissolution rendered the ASTRC unable to convene to address important state issues, leaving the traditional rulers powerless to influence state or national affairs.

Achebe traced the conflict back to a letter he wrote on January 12, 2024, to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.The letter was a response to the suspension of the Neni traditional ruler and the public apology demands made to two other traditional leaders, which were communicated through social media by the ministry.Soludo’s absence from the Ofala festival, along with the actions taken by his administration, has raised concerns about the declining influence of traditional institutions in Anambra.

As tensions persist, many are left wondering when Soludo will take steps to resolve the crisis and seek reconciliation with the traditional leaders.