Imo LG Council Chairmen’s Indulgence In Frivolous Chieftaincy Titles, Evidence Of Laxity – ADC Chieftain

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Ebere Okafor,a legal practitioner, has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State House of Assembly to enact a law prohibiting traditional rulers from conferring chieftaincy titles on appointed and serving political office holders. He said that such a practice reflects “misplaced priorities and encourages  corruption.”

Okafor argued that the quest for chieftaincy titles while occupying public office sends the wrong message to the public and undermines the trust placed in appointed officials. According to him, chieftaincy titles should be reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding service to their communities and distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

The ADC chieftain was reacting to recent media reports alleging that a serving local government council chairperson from one of the local government areas in Owerri zone allegedly spent over ₦10 million to obtain a prestigious traditional title of High Chief. He also referred to a rebuttal to the publication published by ALGON, which he contended confirmed the earlier publication that Local Government Council Chairmen in Imo State were indeed culpable of the allegations raised against their style of administration.

He said it was contradictory for Council Chairmen to complain about inadequate federal allocations from the governor while allegedly spending huge sums on honorary titles. According to him, the pursuit of chieftaincy titles by serving government officials, particularly the Local Government Council Chairmen, promotes corruption, encourages misplaced priorities, and creates the impression that public office is being used to advance personal prestige rather than serve the people.

Okafor further described it as unacceptable for a serving Council Chairman to seek high-profile traditional titles when workers and appointees under the Councils are reportedly owed salaries. “For example, the rebuttal by ALGON, Imo State chapter in The Big Truth newspaper of Wednesday, July 15, 202,6 gives credence to the news making the rounds. On No.12 is one Honourable High Chief(Mrs) Chika Ibekwe, who, it was said, was never a Chief prior to her being made a Council Chairman in Ngor Okpala Local Government Council. Now, she is all over the moon, acquiring all manner of Chieftaincy titles to probably boost her political profile and ego. Is that necessary? What does the common man benefit from such bogus personal titles?” Okafor queried.

He criticized the quality of leadership being produced under the current administration, questioning why a serving local government chairman would consider obtaining a “High Chief” title while still in office. The whole thing is embarrassing and points to mental and administrative laxity on the part of the Council Chairmen.

“What is the obsession with acquiring titles while occupying public office? Whom are they trying to impress?” he asked.

He also expressed concern over the increasing use of titles such as High Chief, Clan Chief, and Super Chief, alleging that such distinctions are being promoted by politicians and their supporters. He cautioned that the actions of the politicians who indulge in this unfortunate conduct should be condemned.

According to Okafor, the concept of High Chief or Super Chief is a modern invention that does not reflect authentic Igbo tradition. “It is alien to Igbo cultural worldview,” he averred.

“In our culture, there is simply the title of Chief. The proliferation of titles such as High Chief and others amounts to a distortion of our cultural heritage,” he said.

He further criticized what he described as the excessive use of honourary titles in the political system, noting that members of political parties are often automatically addressed as “Honourable,” regardless of whether they hold elective office.Calling on the government to take action, Okafor said that stronger regulations were needed to preserve the integrity of traditional institutions and discourage the growing commercialization of honourary titles.

He referenced the Federal Government’s recent approval of comprehensive guidelines regulating the award and use of honourary doctorate degrees in Nigeria. The policy, which seeks to strengthen academic integrity, transparency, and the credibility of the university system, was introduced to curb the abuse, commercialization, and misuse of honourary awards.

Okafor urged that similar standards and regulatory measures be introduced for the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles in order to protect their dignity and cultural significance.