Release or Return Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya, England, South-East Traditional Ruler Urges Tinubu

A traditional ruler from Nigeria’s South-east, His Majesty, Lawrence Agubuzu has called on Bola Tinubu to either release Nnamdi Kanu from prison or return him to Kenya, from where he was brought to serve a life sentence in Sokoto State.

The appeal was made by the ruler of the Ezema Olo Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre.

Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was convicted of terrorism in November 2025 after a decade-long trial and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently appealing the conviction at the Court of Appeal.

Agubuzu argued that releasing or deporting Kanu would help restore peace in the South-east. He also criticised perceived double standards by other traditional rulers, noting that the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, plans to honour Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, whom Agubuzu described as Kanu’s counterpart, while Kanu remains imprisoned.

The ruler highlighted growing frustration among South-east youths, who view regional traditional leaders as ineffective and silent on Kanu’s situation, increasing tensions and public dissatisfaction.

Prominent Igbo leaders have continued to advocate for a political resolution to Kanu’s imprisonment, including visits by state governors to Sokoto prison following his sentencing.