Anambra Government Bars Neni Monarch from Interfering in Nze na Ozo, Nkuluofor Societies

Anambra State Government has declared that the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani, has no authority to determine membership or regulate the internal affairs of Nze na Ozo and Nkuluofor title societies in the community.

The government described the societies as independent, sacred and voluntary cultural associations, stressing that their membership and initiation processes must be governed by their respective rules and procedures.

The position was contained in a letter dated October 16, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Vin Ezeaka, and addressed to the traditional ruler, President General of Neni Town Union and the entire community in Anaocha Local Government Area.

The letter, titled “Nze na Ozo Society and Nkuluofor Crisis in Neni Community,” followed a prolonged dispute over the processes of taking the Nze na Ozo title and membership of Nkuluofor.

According to the government, while the traditional ruler remains the custodian of the community’s culture and traditions, that responsibility does not give him the power to administer or interfere in the internal affairs of the societies.

It maintained that decisions on initiation into the Nze na Ozo society must strictly follow the established rules of the society, without external interference.

The commissioner also cited the constitutional right to freedom of association, noting that individuals are free to choose the society they wish to belong to, provided they meet its membership requirements.

The government further stated that nobody could be compelled to join any Nze na Ozo society against their will, while existing members retain the right to withdraw from their chosen society.

“There is also a freedom to exit the society. These are principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated.

The government urged the traditional ruler, town union leadership and residents of Neni to comply with the directives. Copies of the letter were also forwarded to all village chairmen in the community.