Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued certificates of recognition to four traditional rulers in the state.
He gave the monarchs their certificates on Saturday in a private ceremony held at the government house in Awka.
While issuing the certificates, he acknowledged that many unauthorized persons in various communities were usurping the positions of traditional rulers. He stated that henceforth, people who indulged in such would be sent to jail for six months.
A release by the press secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, listed the traditional rulers who received their certificates to include; Igwe Mkpuorah Ngini of Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area, Eze Augustine Nwangwu of Ajali in Orumba North Local Government, Igwe Alexander Azike of Igbo-ukwu, and Igwe Ikechukwu Ezeofor of Umuona, both in Aguata Local Government Area.
“Traditional rulers were popularly elected in their communities in accordance with their various constitutions.
“Any person not recognized by the state government who would parade as a monarch in the state would be jailed for six months as prescribed by the law.
“Most communities in Anambra State before now had caretaker committees, which were adversely affecting the interest of a greater number of the people.
“My administration has conducted no fewer than 110 elections in communities using option A4 system. Anambra State strictly operates under the traditional rulers law. Those carrying themselves as traditional rulers when they were not recognized by the state must desist from such act or risk six months jail,” he said.