The South-East Traditional Rulers Council has renewed its appeal to the Federal Government for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, expressing concern that previous appeals have failed to produce the desired outcome.
The traditional rulers also called for the rotation of the council’s leadership to Abia State, with HRM Eze Sir Dr Linus Nto Mbah expected to assume the chairmanship in line with the council’s constitution.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the council’s quarterly delegates meeting held on October 23, 2026, at the Parliament of Ndi Eze in Owerri, Imo State.
According to the communiqué, the monarchs reiterated their position on Kanu’s continued detention and urged the Federal Government to reconsider previous appeals for his release.
Monarchs Urge South-East Residents to Vote
On the forthcoming general elections, the traditional rulers expressed concern that the scheduled election dates could create difficulties for voters from the South-East.
They nevertheless urged eligible voters across the region to return to their respective registration areas and participate in large numbers.
The council also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to suspend festivals and ceremonies during the election period to enable residents to exercise their civic responsibilities without unnecessary hindrance.
The monarchs said greater participation in the electoral process was important for the region, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Rulers Back Rotational Leadership in Southern Council
The South-East Traditional Rulers Council also reaffirmed its support for a rotational chairmanship of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council among the South-East, South-West and South-South geopolitical zones.
The monarchs rejected any arrangement that would allow one geopolitical zone to retain the position permanently, insisting that the chairmanship should rotate among the three zones for two-year terms.
They said the arrangement was consistent with a decision reached by the Southern Governors Forum in Ogun State in 2025.
The council further called for the reconstitution of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council’s leadership to reflect recognised traditional rulers from its member states and align with the leadership framework adopted by the Southern Governors Forum.
Monarchs Appreciate Imo Government
The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for hosting the meeting in Owerri.
They also thanked the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and the people of the state for their hospitality, while acknowledging the support and encouragement of governors across the five South-East states.
The communiqué was signed by the chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council and chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, and the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, alongside other traditional rulers from the region.
The meeting addressed issues concerning Kanu’s detention, electoral participation and the organisation and leadership of traditional institutions across the South-East and southern Nigeria.