Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, the traditional ruler of the Ezema Olo Kingdom in Nigeria's Southeast, has publicly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, or return him to Kenya, where he was arrested. During his address at the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health, Agubuzu warned that Kanu's ongoing detention is exacerbating tensions among the youth in the region, leading to increased agitation and unrest.

In his compelling plea, the monarch emphasized that the nation's progress is hindered by the lack of openness regarding such contentious issues. By calling for either Kanu's release or repatriation, Agubuzu seeks to address the grievances of his people and foster a sense of unity and peace within Nigeria. He highlighted the necessity for the government to engage with the community and consider the implications of Kanu's release on the sociopolitical landscape in the Southeast.

The summit, which took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, served as a platform for various stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, to discuss critical health sector reforms in Nigeria. However, Agubuzu's remarks redirected focus to the pressing political issues affecting social stability, showcasing the intertwining of health, governance, and community leadership in the quest for national renewal and stability.