South-East Monarch Urges President Tinubu to Free or Return Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya

Eze Lawrence Agubuzu, a traditional ruler from the South-East, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to either release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or return him to Kenya, where he was initially arrested.

Agubuzu, the Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, made the appeal on Tuesday during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House, Abuja, with President Tinubu attending as Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking during the segment for traditional rulers’ remarks, Agubuzu said Kanu’s continued detention was increasing unrest among youths in the South-East. “I must tell you, Mr President, that personally, I don’t feel very happy,” he said, describing the situation in the region as tense.

He argued that true reconciliation and national unity would be difficult while Kanu remained in custody. “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,” Agubuzu said.

The monarch also highlighted the growing frustration of youths toward traditional rulers in the South-East, who are accused of remaining silent on key issues. “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. They see us as sellouts. We come to Abuja — they may think we’ve come to collect money and then keep quiet,” he said.

Agubuzu further criticised the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, arguing that it does not represent the entire South. He warned against allocating resources through an unrepresentative body, stating, “If you want to deal with us, deal with us in the South-East. If you have resources for us, give it to us. Don’t give it to people who come and say they represent a traditional rulers council.”