A prominent traditional ruler from the South-East, Eze Lawrence Agubuzu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or return him to Kenya, where he was originally arrested.
Agubuzu made the appeal on Tuesday, February 17, during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House in Abuja. President Tinubu attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour.
Addressing the President during the traditional rulers’ remarks segment, Agubuzu said Kanu’s continued detention was increasing unrest among youths in the South-East. He described the situation as tense and warned that it could hinder reconciliation in the region.
“I must tell you, Mr President, that personally, I don’t feel very happy,” he said, adding that genuine unity and national cohesion would be difficult while Kanu remained in detention. “The ball stops in your court. Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London, where they took him from.”
The monarch also highlighted growing hostility toward traditional rulers from South-East youths. He said some rulers were being accused of being “sellouts” and risked physical attacks when attempting to carry out their duties. Agubuzu urged President Tinubu to address the issue, emphasizing that progress was impossible without confronting the “home truth.”
Agubuzu further criticized the structure of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, arguing that it did not represent the diversity of traditional institutions in the region. He insisted that any resources intended for South-East traditional rulers should be allocated directly to them, not through an unrepresentative council.
However, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, dismissed claims of disunity among southern monarchs. He described the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council as optional but powerful, stating that membership was voluntary and that traditional rulers across the South were actively cooperating. “You don’t need to join us if you don’t want to, but it is a force — a formidable force — among traditional institutions,” he said.
The summit highlighted contrasting perspectives among traditional leaders, reflecting ongoing debates about representation, resource allocation, and regional tensions in Nigeria.
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