Last week, during a health summit for traditional and religious leaders held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a traditional ruler from Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, directly appealed to Bola Tinubu over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
When given the opportunity to address the gathering, the monarch urged the President to either release Kanu unconditionally or return him to Kenya. His remarks reportedly caught many attendees by surprise, as the event was focused on health matters. Observers noted that the President appeared amused during the exchange.
The intervention has since generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians describing the monarch’s stance as bold, particularly at a time when political office holders from the region have largely avoided publicly addressing the issue.
Several Igbo advocacy groups based in the United States voiced support for Agubuzu’s remarks, commending what they described as his courage in raising a sensitive matter directly before the President. The groups urged other traditional rulers from the South-East to speak more openly about concerns surrounding Kanu’s detention, arguing that regional leaders should take stronger positions on issues affecting their people.
They maintained that Agubuzu’s comments reflected the sentiments of many in the region and called for unity among Igbo leaders in addressing perceived grievances.
Similarly, some academics and legal practitioners from the South-East also praised the monarch’s intervention. A lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture described Agubuzu as courageous, stating that his remarks resonated with the views of many Igbo people. He drew comparisons between Kanu’s case and that of Yoruba self-determination activist Sunday Igboho, arguing that there appeared to be differing outcomes in similar circumstances.
Legal practitioners who reacted to the development also expressed support for the monarch’s comments, with some asserting that leaders should be willing to speak openly on matters of justice and fairness.
Former community leaders from Kanu’s hometown in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, echoed similar sentiments, urging other prominent figures in the region to advocate more strongly on his behalf.
The incident has continued to spark debate across the country, highlighting ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding Kanu’s detention and broader issues of national unity and justice.
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