It is usually headed by a ranking traditional ruler, although the sitting governor of the state retains the right to approve or veto any binding measure taken by the body.
Thus Abia State has a formal process for recognizing traditional rulers of each autonomous community and for selecting from these the members of the Council of Chiefs.
[1] The council has limited powers, and is subject to state government control.
In November 2000, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council celebrated the silver jubilee anniversary of his accession to his throne.
Three days later the state government dissolved the traditional rulers' council and a month later withdrew his certificate of recognition as a traditional ruler.