Ben Nuvamsa, the chairman of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, won't abide by a vote to suspend him from his post.

Nuvamsa accused tribal council members of a "power grab" after they unanimously voted against him. He plans to go to tribal court to contest their decision.

Vice chairman Todd Honyaoma Sr. says he will act as chairman until the tribe completes an investigation of Nuvamsa. He says Nuvamsa illegally seated three council members and disrespected tribal elders.

Nuvamsa and the council have clashed repeatedly since he took office in March 2007. He had to go to tribal court to keep his job.

Get the Story:
Hopi lawmakers vote to suspend tribal chairman (AP 9/22)

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