The Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, Lawrence Agubuzu, on Tuesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, which was attended by the President, Agubuzu said he was personally distressed by Kanu’s continued incarceration, describing it as a source of concern for many in the South-East.
Addressing Tinubu during the event, the monarch expressed disappointment that the President was not present earlier in the day when several speeches were delivered. He noted that the summit’s opening remarks emphasized unity, teamwork, and the need to see Nigeria as one family.
“But I must tell you, Mr. President, that personally, I don’t feel very happy because you were not here in the morning,” Agubuzu said. “There were several speeches, and we listened carefully.”
He referenced the address by “His Imperial Majesty,” stating that the message strongly encouraged national cohesion and collaboration among leaders.
“I listened to the opening address by His Imperial Majesty, and he was gingering all of us to work as a family, to work as a team, and to see Nigeria as one. This is good,” the monarch added.
Agubuzu used the occasion to call for what he described as a compassionate intervention by the federal government, urging Tinubu to consider steps that could foster reconciliation and stability.
Although he did not elaborate on specific proposals, the monarch’s remarks drew attention to the longstanding calls from some South-East leaders for a political resolution to Kanu’s case.
Kanu, who faces charges related to separatist agitation, has remained a central figure in debates about security, justice, and national unity. His detention has continued to generate reactions from political, traditional, and civic groups.
The summit, primarily focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional, religious, and government institutions on health issues, provided a platform for broader discussions touching on governance and social cohesion.
There was no immediate response from the Presidency regarding Agubuzu’s appeal. However, officials at the event reiterated the administration’s commitment to national unity and the rule of law.
Observers say the monarch’s intervention highlights the persistent intersection between political concerns and other national conversations, even at gatherings dedicated to non-political themes such as public health.
