BY SUNNY DAVID
The traditional ruler of Alor community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, MacAnthony Okonkwo, has apologised to the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, for embarking on a trip to Abuja without government approval.
He admitted that his action violated the Traditional Rulers’ Council rules guiding the operation of monarchs in the state.
Mr. Okonkwo was among the 12 traditional rulers suspended for one year by the state government for reportedly travelling to Abuja with oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, to see President Muhammadu Buhari, without permission.
Commissioner for local government, chieftaincy and community affairs, Mr. Greg Obi, had said the monarchs were suspended because they travelled outside the state without approval from the government.
At a press briefing in his palace on Saturday, the Alor monarch admitted his wrongdoing and tendered an “unreserved apology” to the state government, the traditional rulers’ council, members of his cabinet and his subjects.
Mr. Okonkwo said,” It was a serious slip on my part not to have informed the government about the trip to Abuja before embarking on it. I therefore tender an unreserved apology”.
The suspended traditional ruler of Alor dispelled the rumour that he was induced with money and gifts before agreeing to accompany the oil magnate to see President Mohammadu Buhari.
“How can they say I was bribed to join the Abuja trip? What kind of bribe is that? That is total fallacy.
“We didn’t go to Abuja to speak ill about our governor to the President. Ndi Igwe (monarchs) do not have constitutional right to remove a governor or do anything to him. We are not lawmakers who have such constitutional rights.
The monarch appealed to the state government and his colleagues to forgive him his trespasses, and called on the Anambra state traditional rulers’ council to wade into the feud between Obiano and Prince Arthur Eze with a view to brokering peace between them.
