By ANAYO OKOLI
UMUAHIA—ABIA State government has dethroned the traditional ruler of Agbaja Nkporo Autonomous Community, Eze Agwu Nwankwo Kalu, following a communal unrest in his community where houses and other property valued at thousands of Naira were destroyed.

The government has consequently directed the deposed Eze to return his staff of office and certificate of recognition as traditional ruler to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The community had on June 24, 2012, petitioned  Governor Theodore Orji against the Eze, alleging that the traditional ruler unleashed mayhem on his community for reasons bodering on alleged disloyalty and on-going investigation of the disciplinary committee of the state council of Ndi Eze.

According to the petition, 12 people in the community were attacked and their property destroyed.

The letter, which catalogued other alleged sins of the deposed traditional ruler, was signed by Engr. Agu Ndukwe Orji, National Chairman, Agbaja Nkporo Development Union.

On the strength of the petition, Governor Orji set up a disciplinary committee to look into the crisis in the community, and the committee found the traditional ruler culpable and made recommendations to the government.

Following the recommendation, the government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in a February 16, 2012, letter deposed Eze Agwu Nwankwo Kalu.

The sack letter, with reference number MLGCA/CH/S.18/687, read: “Following the report of the Disciplinary Committee on community unrest, His Excellency, the governor of Abia State, has approved the withdrawal of your recognition as a traditional ruler in Abia State.

“All rights and privileges accruing to you as a traditional ruler are hereby withdrawn.  Consequently, you are directed to return your staff of office and certificate of recognition as traditional ruler to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within 14 days from the date of this letter.

“Please, ensure that you comply immediately and return the materials on or before March 1, 2012.”

The letter was signed by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.