A prominent traditional ruler has called on President Bola Tinubu to release detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, warning that his continued incarceration is deepening unrest in the Southeast.
Dr Lawrence Agubuzu, the Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom, made the appeal during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at at the event attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the monarch said the matter now rests squarely with the President.
“The ball stops at your court. Bring this man out,” he declared. “If he is not wanted in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London, where he was taken from.”
Kanu, who was rearrested abroad and brought back to Nigeria in 2021, remains in custody in Abuja amid ongoing legal proceedings.
‘Young People Are Agitated’
The royal father expressed concern over growing anger among youths in the Southeast, noting that many see traditional leaders as powerless or complicit due to their perceived silence on Kanu’s detention.
“Young people in the Southeast are so agitated. They see us as sell-outs when we come to Abuja and keep quiet,” he said. “We cannot make progress in this country if we don’t tell ourselves the truth.”
He warned that continued tension could undermine national unity and frustrate development efforts in the region.
Questions Over Southern Traditional Rulers Structure
The monarch also raised concerns about references to a “Southern Traditional Rulers Council,” insisting that no such unified body exists in the manner being presented.
“There is nothing like Southern Traditional Rulers Council. The South is not the North. We have our system,” he stated, urging the Federal Government to engage regional traditional institutions directly rather than through umbrella structures he described as unrepresentative.
He stressed the need for “unity in diversity,” calling for a governance approach that respects Nigeria’s regional peculiarities.
Commends Health Initiative, Seeks Presidential Attention
Despite his concerns, the monarch commended ongoing federal health initiatives and pledged support from traditional rulers to improve healthcare delivery.
He referenced a presentation by Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, describing it as encouraging and worthy of collaboration.
However, he urged President Tinubu to listen to the grievances coming from the Southeast.
“Please do something about this,” he appealed. “We will support government programmes, but listen to our cries.”
The remarks add to ongoing national conversations about Kanu’s detention and its broader political implications.
