The traditional rulers from the South East met in Umuahia, Abia State, to discuss the increasing insecurity in the region and focus on finding lasting solutions.
They renewed their call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose continued detention they view as contributing to the unrest.
The Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek a political resolution to Kanu’s incarceration, arguing that his release could restore peace.
Mbah highlighted that releasing Kanu would help identify those fueling the violence and bring an end to the disruptive sit-at-home orders.
The traditional rulers also criticized the region’s political elite for the federal government’s disregard for Igbo traditional institutions.
They called on South East governors to accord traditional rulers the respect they deserve, which, in turn, would influence the federal government’s stance.
The Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze EC Okeke, voiced deep concern over the security challenges and promised cooperation with governors and security agencies to restore stability.
Governor Alex Otti, who was present at the summit, emphasized the shared responsibility for security.
He praised the monarchs for holding the meeting in Abia and reiterated his commitment to strengthening security in the state. He underscored the importance of leadership accountability, describing it as a form of stewardship.
Among the distinguished monarchs present were the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, as well as the Chairmen of the Enugu and Ebonyi State Councils of Ndieze, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu and HRM Igwe Charles Nguma. The summit ended with a closed-door session.
This meeting followed earlier efforts to address insecurity in the South East, including a similar summit in Owerri, Imo State, where governors and stakeholders also convened to tackle the growing violence.
Traditional and religious leaders in the region have continued to blame both the presidency and governors for worsening security, criticizing their reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. The Council of South East Traditional Rulers reiterated their appeal for Nnamdi Kanu’s release as a key step toward reducing tensions in the region.
