As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day on June 12, a prominent South East monarch, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the symbolic occasion as a moment for national healing by ordering the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued from his palace in the Nsukka local government area of Enugu State, HRM Eze-Igwe Ezugwu, who is the Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom and Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land, lamented what he described as the president’s “missed opportunity” to send a message of inclusion, reconciliation, and justice to the South East region.
“The continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a deep wound in the soul of the South East, and by extension, Nigeria,” the monarch declared. “June 12 presented a historic window for President Tinubu to act as a unifying leader.”
The traditional ruler, a former Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), urged the president to go beyond ceremonial speeches and embrace the deeper symbolism of Democracy Day, which commemorates the 1993 election — widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
“June 12 is not just a date. It is a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s desire for unity, justice, and inclusive governance. Releasing Kanu would have echoed that spirit,” he said.
Eze-Igwe Ezugwu commended President Tinubu for respecting the judicial process in Kanu’s ongoing trial and for the recent acceleration of legal proceedings following the replacement of the trial judge. However, he emphasized that a more urgent need for political reconciliation and emotional healing exists beyond the legal dimensions.
He described the prevailing insecurity, economic decline, and youth radicalisation in the South East as symptoms of a deeper problem — perceived political marginalisation and exclusion from the Nigerian state.
“Our people feel unheard, excluded, and targeted. Releasing Kanu would have sent a strong message that the region is still part of the Nigerian project,” Ezugwu said.
The monarch drew parallels between the situation in the South East and past crises in the Niger Delta and Ogoni land, where federal amnesties and dialogue initiatives helped de-escalate unrest.
“We must learn from history. The government granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants. Why is the South East treated differently?” he asked. “Peace in the South East is peace for all of Nigeria.”
While distancing himself from violence, the monarch warned against the dangerous tendency of conflating legitimate political agitation with criminal activity.
“The IPOB movement was largely peaceful until it was met with violent state repression. We must differentiate between non-violent agitators and opportunistic criminals,” he cautioned.
Eze-Igwe Ezugwu urged President Tinubu to consider invoking his constitutional powers under Sections 174 and 175 to either authorise the Attorney-General to discontinue the case or grant a presidential pardon, thereby reopening avenues for peacebuilding.
“It is not too late. Let the spirit of June 12 guide actions, not just words,” he concluded. “Let Nigeria choose the path that leads to healing and unity.”
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his controversial rendition to Nigeria and has faced charges related to terrorism and separatist activities. His detention has sparked widespread agitation, particularly in the South East, with calls for his release coming from civil society, political leaders, and traditional rulers.
The issue has become a litmus test for President Tinubu’s approach to national inclusion and reconciliation, especially in light of growing tensions between the federal government and the South East region.
As the dust of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations settles, many will be watching to see whether President Tinubu will heed this royal appeal — or whether the growing regional discontent will deepen Nigeria’s fault lines.
