The Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu state, Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, has asked President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying ultimate responsibility lies with him.
Agubuzu made the call on Tuesday during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Addressing Tinubu directly, the monarch said: “The buck stops with you. Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London, where they took him from.”
Comparison With Sunday Igboho
Agubuzu also drew a comparison between Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
He said the Ooni of Ife was reportedly preparing to confer a high honour on Igboho. However, he noted that many in the southeast see Igboho as a counterpart to Kanu.
According to him, the situation pains him deeply, especially as Kanu remains in detention.
“My brother, fellow royal father, does not seem to understand the pain in my heart when Nnamdi Kanu is in Sokoto. So sad,” he said.
‘Young People in the Southeast Are Agitated’
Furthermore, the monarch warned that the continued detention of the IPOB leader fuels agitation in the southeast.
He said young people in the region are increasingly angry and distrustful of traditional leaders.
“The young people in the southeast are so agitated, they can even beat us. They see us as sell-outs,” he said.
He added that many youths believe traditional rulers visit Abuja for personal gain rather than to defend regional interests.
“We cannot make progress in this country if we don’t tell ourselves the whole truth,” he said.
Questions Over ‘Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council’
In addition, Agubuzu challenged references to a “southern traditional rulers council.”
He said no such formal body exists and warned against allocating resources on that basis.
“If you want to deal with us, deal with us in the southeast,” he said.
Despite his concerns, the monarch pledged support for the administration’s health initiatives discussed at the summit.
“Mr. President, we’re going to support this. Do all we can. But please listen to our cries,” he said.
