By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria)
A prominent South-East traditional ruler has made a direct, bold and emotionally charged appeal to President Bola Tinubu, calling for the immediate release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu or his return to Kenya, where he was arrested in 2021.
The appeal was delivered on Tuesday by Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom, Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Direct Appeal at National Summit
The summit, themed “The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in Advancing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” was convened to mobilise community leaders in support of health sector reforms. However, Agubuzu shifted focus from healthcare to what he described as a pressing national concern — Kanu’s continued detention.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, the monarch said:
“Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London where they took him from. Please do something about this. We cannot make progress in this country if we don’t tell ourselves the truth.”
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has remained in detention while facing terrorism-related charges — a development that continues to stir political and security tensions across the South-East.
Warning of Rising Youth Anger in the South-East
Agubuzu warned that prolonged detention of the IPOB leader is deepening resentment among youths in the region, placing traditional rulers under mounting pressure.
“Some of us here are being asked to go and work, but the young people in the South-East are so agitated they can even beat us,” he said.
“They see us as sell-outs. When we come to Abuja, they think we come to collect money and then keep quiet on these issues.”
According to the monarch, failure to address Kanu’s case transparently could further erode trust between community leaders and the younger generation.
Reference to Sunday Igboho
Agubuzu also referenced remarks earlier made at the event by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who had called for unity among traditional institutions nationwide.
The South-East monarch criticised what he perceived as inconsistency, alleging that the Ooni is planning to honour Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, whom he described as Kanu’s South-West counterpart.
“This same Imperial Majesty is arranging to confer a very high honour on Sunday Igboho. In my part of Nigeria, we see him as a counterpart of Nnamdi Kanu,” Agubuzu stated.
“The Ball Is in Your Court” — Monarch Tells Tinubu
In closing, Agubuzu stressed that the responsibility now rests with the President.
“The ball stops in your court. Do something about Nnamdi Kanu,” he urged.
The intervention underscores the continuing sensitivity surrounding Kanu’s detention and its implications for stability in the South-East, as traditional institutions navigate growing pressure from constituents demanding political resolution.
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