Enugu Monarch, Ooni Disagree Over Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council
The Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have expressed opposing views over the existence and legitimacy of a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council.
Igwe Agubuzu made his position known while addressing participants at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, an event attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, there is “nothing like a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council.”
He cautioned the Federal Government against recognising or disbursing funds to individuals claiming to represent such a council, stressing that the South operates differently from the North.
“The truth of the matter is that there is nothing like a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council. If money is given to people on that basis, it is not correct,” he said.
He further noted that democracy and traditional leadership must be rooted in representation, adding that anyone presenting themselves without the mandate of their people does not truly represent them.
“The South is not the North. We have our system. We need unity in diversity. If you want to deal with us, deal with us in the South-East. If you have resources for us, give them to us directly,” he added, urging the President to listen to the concerns of the people.
Responding to the Enugu monarch’s remarks, the Ooni of Ife stated that participation in the Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council was optional and not compulsory for any traditional ruler.
“The Southern Traditional Council is optional. You don’t need to join if you don’t want to, but it is a formidable force among traditional institutions,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
He explained that the council was not limited to traditional rulers from the South-West and included prominent rulers from other southern regions, including the South-East. He also emphasised the need to avoid creating the impression of division among traditional institutions.
The Ooni pledged the council’s support for President Tinubu and urged the media and the public to focus on verified and quality information rather than rumours.
Also speaking, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Eberechukwu Oji, who identified himself as the publicity secretary of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers’ Council, described the body as a movement involving traditional rulers from across southern Nigeria.
He said the council includes notable monarchs from the South-East and South-South and is chaired by the Ooni of Ife.
Oji further disclosed that the council had been formally recognised by the Federal Government, noting that President Tinubu was present at its inauguration in Owerri, alongside government officials, members of the press, and other stakeholders.
