abdicate. In that event, he ceases to be the Chief but is entitled to lend any other public office in Abia. Any title required by him shall not he affected.

29.If the Chief is convicted in a Court of competent jurisdiction but not below a Magistrate’s Court of a criminal matter and it is considered that his integrity as Eze has been undermined or called into question, he shall abdicate compulsorily.

30.Provided that in the event of Section 29 above, the abdication becomes automatic on the presentation to the Eze’ s Council of a certified true copy of the Court Judgement to that effect: and provided also that the Eze has not lodged an appeal against the judgement. In that event, he shall abdicate compulsorily if he loses the appeal.

31.If the Eze offends against any of the well established customs and tradition of Abia and it is considered that the offence is such that he can no longer function on a Chief, he snail abdicate compulsorily.

32.If the Eze becomes very unpopular because of well articulated acts of omission or commission and it is considered that he has lost the right to rule the town, he shall abdicate compulsorily.

33.Provided that there is a two-thirds majority of all the taxable adults in each of the five villages of Abia confirming the unpopularity of the Eze.

34.If the Igwe abdicates as a result of articles 31 and 32 hereof, he shall not be entitled to hold any public office in Abia. The effect of this on any title which he acquired before the event will he determined by the rules and regulations governing such titles.

ARTICLE V: DUTIES OF EZE OFABIA

35.Eze of Abia is the embodiment of all that is good for Abia.

36.He is the first citizen of Abia and shall be respected as such.

37.He acts as father of his people irrespective of his age, village or family of origin.

38.He conform with his people through Chief’s Council, or meeting of the people or a group thereof, advices and warns them against any error or missions which arc capable of disrupting peace, progress and stability at Abia.

39.He shall as often as necessary be committed by any Local Government authority at Abia established by law for the general welfare of Abia Community.

40.The Eze shall do anything that lies within his power to promote the happiness and progress of Abia, and make Abia citizens feel proud of their town.

41.The Eze shall confirm titles to sons and daughters of Abia who render patriotic services to Abia Community with the approval of Abia people

shall