By Khadija Muhammed
A South-East traditional ruler has urged President Bola Tinubu to either release detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu or return him to Kenya, warning that his continued detention is deepening tension among youths in the region.
Eze Lawrence Agubuzu of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State made the appeal at the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House.
He said reconciliation and unity would be difficult while the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra remained in custody, adding that traditional rulers were facing backlash from agitated youths who accused them of silence.
Agubuzu also questioned the legitimacy of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, insisting it did not represent all traditional institutions in the South, and warned against allocating resources to bodies he said lacked broad representation.
Responding, Enitan Ogunwusi dismissed claims of disunity, describing the council as a voluntary but formidable platform for collaboration. The Eze Aro IX, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, said the council remained active and united across southern states.
The summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, focused on strengthening partnerships to support health sector reforms.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu used the occasion to flag off the National Community Food Bank Programme, while Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate described the meeting as a key engagement with traditional and religious leaders nationwide.
