The Igwe of Ezema Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, His Royal Highness Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, Agubuzu said Kanu should be freed and returned to Kenya or the United Kingdom if government were uncomfortable to keep him in Nigeria.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari and extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism charges.
But under Tinubu, he was sentenced to life imprisonment last year and is currently held at the maximum-security prison in Sokoto.
Agubuzu warned that keeping Kanu in jail was fueling anger among young people in the Southeast.
“Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, send him back to Kenya or London, where he came from. Please do something about this,” he told the President.
The monarch added: “We can’t move forward in this country unless we face the truth.”
Reference to Ooni of Ife
Agubuzu recalled that the Ooni of Ife had encouraged unity during his opening speech at the summit.
He contrasted this with reports that the Ooni planned to honour Sunday Igboho – a separatist agitator from the president’s region of South West with a traditional title.
“The Imperial Highness does not seem to understand the pain in my heart when Nnamdi Kanu is in Sokoto. So, sir, the ball is in your court,” he said.
Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel immediately praised Agubuzu’s remarks, describing them as courageous.
In a post after the summit, he said: “This gutsy call by Igwe Agubuzu for the RELEASE of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reflects the several meetings I had held with him on the same matter with Obi of Onitsha, Archbishop Opoko, Dr. Chris Okoye, Dr. Uju Agomuo, etc. Kudos to His Majesty for telling President Tinubu to his face.”
Other reactions came in such as from Associate Professor Sam Amadi – Director of Social and Political Thought.
There is no indication yet whether President Tinubu will act on the appeal, nor is this the first time leaders of the South East have made similar appeals, including serving governors.
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