Enugu Monarch Confronts Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu, Sparks Diaspora Backing and National Debate

A traditional ruler from Enugu State has stirred national conversation after directly urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during a high-level gathering at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The monarch, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, made the appeal last week at a health summit attended by traditional and religious leaders. When given the opportunity to address the audience, he called on the President to either grant Kanu unconditional release or return him to Kenya, where he was re-arrested in 2021 under controversial circumstances.

Observers at the event noted that President Tinubu appeared amused during the remarks, a reaction that has since drawn attention on social media.

Igwe Agubuzu’s intervention has been widely described by supporters as bold, particularly amid what some perceive as reluctance by political figures to openly advocate for Kanu’s release.

Diaspora Groups Applaud Intervention

Three United States-based Igbo advocacy organisations — the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination (ASD), and Rising Sun Foundation (RSF) — issued a joint statement commending the monarch.

The statement, signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia (AVID), Chief Evans Nwankwo (ASD), and Dr. Maxwell Dede (RSF), praised Agubuzu for what they described as his “courage and moral clarity.”

They urged other traditional rulers in the South-East to speak out, arguing that the continued detention of Kanu has deepened grievances among sections of the Igbo population.

The groups also called for unified advocacy among regional leaders, stressing that silence on the matter could further erode public confidence.

Support from Academics and Legal Practitioners

In separate reactions, some academics and legal practitioners expressed support for the monarch’s position.

A lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Leo Obinna, described Igwe Agubuzu as “courageous,” adding that his comments reflected the sentiments of many in the region.

He drew comparisons between Kanu’s case and that of Yoruba self-determination activist Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in Benin Republic in 2021 but later released.

Several lawyers, including Godwin Chinonye and Okezie Ohajuruka, also praised the monarch for what they termed speaking “truth to power,” arguing that the matter should be resolved within the framework of justice and the rule of law.

Background to the Case

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony brought by the Federal Government. His arrest and continued detention have remained contentious, particularly in the South-East, where calls for his release have been persistent.

The Federal Government has maintained that the matter is before the courts and that due process must be allowed to take its course.

Igwe Agubuzu’s remarks have now amplified the debate, placing renewed focus on Kanu’s case and the broader conversation about national unity, justice, and political reconciliation.

As reactions continue to trail the development, attention remains on whether the Presidency will formally respond to the renewed calls for action.