Three United States–based advocacy organisations have urged traditional rulers in Nigeria’s South-East to speak more boldly on issues affecting the region, warning that silence in times of tension only worsens public frustration.
The groups — American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and the Rising Sun Foundation — made the call in a joint statement released on Friday.
The organisations, led respectively by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Chief Evans Nwankwo and Dr Maxwell Dede, commended the traditional ruler of Enugu, Eze Lawrence Agubuzu, for what they described as his forthright and principled stance in his recent message to President Bola Tinubu.
They praised the monarch for openly raising concerns over the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and for urging a resolution of the matter.
Eze Agubuzu had reportedly called on the President to either release Kanu or return him to Kenya, where he was arrested and extradited more than five years ago.
In the statement, the groups said traditional institutions in Igboland wield significant moral authority and should use their positions to advocate justice, fairness and dialogue.
“Leadership demands courage, especially in moments of deep public concern. Our traditional rulers are custodians of the people’s dignity and heritage. At a time like this, their voices matter,” the statement read.
The organisations urged monarchs across the South-East to speak with one voice in pursuit of peace, justice and lawful resolution of grievances, noting that silence during periods of tension could deepen public frustration and mistrust.
They also commended Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, describing both monarchs as leaders who have shown moral clarity and a willingness to articulate the concerns of their people.
“The preservation of a people’s dignity rests not on proximity to power, but on moral authority. History remembers leaders who stand firm in defence of their communities,” the statement added.
While acknowledging that traditional rulers may hold differing views, the groups encouraged constructive engagement with the Federal Government and peaceful advocacy.
The continued detention of Kanu has remained a subject of legal and political debate in Nigeria, with supporters calling for his release or an alternative legal resolution, while the Federal Government insists that due process is being followed.
The advocacy groups stressed the need for dialogue and principled leadership, saying, “AlaIgbo deserves unity, justice and courageous leadership. The time calls for bold but responsible voices committed to lawful and peaceful solutions.”
