10/06/2026
*SOLUDO’S HYPOCRITICAL APPLICATION OF ANAMBRA TRADITIONAL RULERS LAW: A CASE STUDY OF DR. GIBSON NWOSU*
The selective and seemingly hypocritical application of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has once again come under heavy criticism, with many pointing to the continued recognition of Dr. Gibson Nwosu as Eze Uzu II of Awka despite clear provisions in the law regarding physical and mental capacity to discharge traditional duties.
The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007 (as amended in 2020 and subsequently), which regulates the selection, recognition, and conduct of traditional rulers in the state, contains explicit provisions on disqualification and vacation of the throne on grounds of incapacity.
Key among these provisions is the requirement that a traditional ruler must be physically and mentally fit to perform the sacred and demanding roles attached to the stool. The law empowers the Governor, upon satisfactory evidence of permanent incapacity, ill-health, or inability to discharge the functions of the office, to initiate processes leading to the vacation of the throne or withdrawal of recognition.
Section 9 and related provisions of the law, along with supporting clauses in the amendments, stipulate that where a traditional ruler is adjudged by a competent authority or through medical certification to be suffering from infirmity of mind or body that renders him incapable of performing his traditional functions, such a monarch shall cease to hold office. This is in line with the sacred nature of traditional institutions, where the ruler is expected to actively participate in spiritual, cultural, dispute resolution, and community leadership functions that demand sharp hearing, mobility, and full sensory engagement.
*The Case of Dr. Gibson Nwosu*
Dr. Gibson Nwosu, the deposed Ezeuzu 11 whom the State government has continued to accord recognition is advanced in age, he recently celebrated 90 years and virtually impaired (visually challenged) and hard of hearing. Multiple community sources and observers have affirmed that for over Five years he has failed to discharge the rigorous traditional duties expected of the Eze Uzu II.
Legal critics argue that this stance represents a clear case of hypocrisy and selective enforcement of the Traditional Rulers Law. In other communities, the Soludo administration has not hesitated to apply strict interpretations of the law suspending, derecognizing, or mediating against traditional rulers perceived to have violated provisions of the same law, particularly on issues of chieftaincy titles, loyalty, or community disputes.
*“Why is the law suddenly blind when it comes to Awka?” a community stakeholder who spoke on condition of anonymity asked. “The law is very clear on incapacity. If a ruler cannot see properly or hear proceedings in council, how can he adjudicate matters, perform rituals, or provide the required leadership? The government cannot pick and choose which sections to enforce.”*
Many Awka indigenes and concerned traditionalists believe the continued recognition of Dr. Nwosu, despite his documented impairments, undermines the integrity of the Traditional Rulers Law and sets a dangerous precedent. They argue that the law was enacted to protect the sanctity and functionality of traditional institutions, not to shield individuals at the expense of effective community governance.
Governor Soludo, who prides himself on rule of law and good governance, has often invoked the Traditional Rulers Law when dealing with “errant” monarchs. However, his government’s apparent reluctance to apply the incapacity clauses in the case of the Awka stool has fueled accusations of political expediency and double standards.
As pressure mounts on the state government to address this issue transparently, stakeholders are calling for a medical and traditional assessment of Dr. Gibson Nwosu’s capacity in line with the provisions of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law. They insist that the law must be applied uniformly, without fear or favour, to preserve the dignity of Anambra’s traditional institutions.
*SOLUDO’S HYPOCRITICAL APPLICATION OF ANAMBRA TRADITIONAL RULERS LAW: A CASE STUDY OF DR. GIBSON NWOSU*
