The traditional ruler of Isiagu in Awka South local government area of Anambra state, Igwe Austin Nwankwo, has dragged one of his subjects, Chief Ben Ifeatu, to Magistrate Court I sitting in Awka, the state capital, for failing to recognise and address him as His Royal Majesty.
Nwankwo told the court, on Wednesday, January 20, that Chief Ifeatu, had continued to address him as Chief Austin Nwankwo, instead of addressing him as His Royal Majesty, Igwe Austine Nwankwo.
According to the monarch, Ifeatu also continued to incite other members of the community against him.
“Ben Ifeatu had continued to address me as Chief Austin Nwankwo, when he is aware I am his traditional ruler. When he started contending my position as traditional ruler of Isiagu ancient kingdom, I tendered my certificate of recognition in court.
“Government of Anambra state gave me certificate as traditional ruler of Isiagu; I am also the chairman of Awka South Traditional Rulers Council. When I tendered the certificate in the High Court, neither Chief Ifeatu nor his counsel, N.O Nwadinobi, raised objection; yet, he had continued to address me as mere chief,” he said.
Ifeatu, on his own, told the court that he failed to recognise Igwe Austin Nwankwo as the traditional ruler of Isiagu ancient kingdom because the igweship stool of the community was still under contention.
“I will not recognise him as my traditional ruler. Only him knows how and where he got the certificate of recognition. So, it behooves on him to prove to the court that he is the authentic traditional ruler,” he said.
The defense counsel, Mr. N.O Nwadinobi, explained to the court that his client had refused to recognized Nwankwo as traditional ruler because, according to him, the traditional stool of the community was still subject to contention in the Anambra State High Court.
Counsel to the plaintiff (Igwe Nwankwo), Mr. E.E Ogbebe, told the court that his client, Igwe Austin Nwankwo, remained the traditional ruler of the community, having got his certificate of recognition from the Anambra state government, and, therefore, must be accorded respect and recognition as traditional ruler.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.N Ike, told counsel to the plaintiff to apply officially in written address, so that she would study the application and act accordingly.
“Let the truth be told: since he has tendered his certificate in court, which is deemed to have been issued by the state, it is proper to address him as Igwe; until it is proved otherwise by the court. However, I will advise counsel to the plaintiff to apply officially to enable the court act appropriately,” she added.
The matter was adjourned to March 17, for continuation of hearing.
