SUSPENSION OF IGWE WILLY EZUGWU: “HAS GOVERNMENT NOW BECOME THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE WHO A MONARCH MAY RECEIVE?

 — CHIEF ADOLPHUS Ikechukwu Igwe 

An elder statesman and veteran political stakeholder in Enugu State, Chief Adolphus Ikechukwu Igwe, has condemned the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa-Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Willy Ezugwu, describing the development as one that raises serious questions about the relationship between government authority, traditional institutions and the fundamental freedoms of citizens.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Chief Igwe said that, as a political old-school who has witnessed several administrations and political transitions in the state, he finds the circumstances surrounding the suspension deeply disturbing and deserving of sober public interrogation.

Let me ask a very important question: has it now become an offence for an Igwe to receive visitors in his palace? Has the right of a traditional ruler to receive Nigerians who come to see him suddenly become subject to government approval?”»

Chief Ikechukwu acknowledged that government has cited alleged administrative and traditional-governance violations as the basis for the suspension, including allegations concerning the constitution of a cabinet and town union.

However, he said the timing of the action inevitably raises questions, particularly because the monarch had recently received prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, and subsequently received other visitors.

“If there are genuine administrative infractions, let the law take its course. Let the Igwe be given a fair opportunity to respond. But we must be careful that administrative powers are not allowed to create the impression that traditional rulers must seek permission before receiving people who do not belong to the political establishment.”

He stressed that traditional rulers are fathers of their communities and should ordinarily be able to receive people across political, religious and social divides.

“An Igwe is not the chairman of a political party. His palace is not a party secretariat. He is a father to his people. If Peter Obi comes, he can receive Peter Obi. If another politician comes, he should be able to receive that person too. If a grieving citizen comes, he should receive that citizen. That is part of the dignity and hospitality associated with our traditional institutions.”

Chief Igwe further urged the state government to distinguish between legitimate regulation of traditional institutions and actions that could be perceived as political interference.

“We must not create an Enugu where people begin to ask themselves whether receiving the wrong visitor can cost them their position. That would be a dangerous message for democracy and for our traditional institutions.”

He therefore called for dialogue, due process and a reconsideration of the suspension, insisting that the dignity of the traditional institution must be protected.

“Government is powerful, but power must always be exercised with restraint, fairness and wisdom. Enugu belongs to all of us. Political differences should not become a reason for shrinking the civic space.”

Chief Igwe concluded by urging all parties to approach the matter with maturity and statesmanship, saying that “the strength of government is not demonstrated by how quickly it can punish, but by how wisely it can resolve differences.”