A traditional ruler from the South-East has called on President Bola Tinubu to release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu or facilitate his return to Kenya, warning that his continued imprisonment is deepening frustration among youths in the region.
The appeal was made on Tuesday by Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Agubuzu used his goodwill message at the summit to directly address the President, urging what he described as a decisive and transparent resolution of Kanu’s case.
“If the country does not want him here, he should be returned to where he was taken from,” the monarch said, stressing that unresolved grievances surrounding Kanu’s detention were undermining national cohesion.
The health summit, themed “The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in Advancing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” was organised to strengthen collaboration between community leaders and the Federal Government in implementing healthcare reforms. Traditional and religious leaders at the event signed a compact committing to promote improved healthcare delivery within their communities.
However, discussions shifted briefly from health sector reform to national politics when Agubuzu questioned calls for unity among traditional rulers. He referenced remarks earlier delivered by the Ooni of Ife, who had urged monarchs across the country to work together as one national family.
Agubuzu expressed concern over what he described as mixed signals, alleging that plans were underway to honour Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba Nation activist he characterised as a South-West counterpart to Kanu.
According to him, traditional rulers in the South-East are increasingly facing criticism from young people who view their engagement with federal authorities as ineffective in addressing the Kanu issue.
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