Three United States-based advocacy groups have commended His Royal Majesty Eze Lawrence Agubuzu for openly calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release detained pro-Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a joint press statement dated February 20, 2026, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and Rising Sun Foundation described Eze Agubuzu’s remarks as courageous and necessary.
The groups said the monarch demonstrated “unflinching courage” by urging President Tinubu to either release Kanu immediately or return him to Kenya.
Monarchs Urged To Speak Out
The advocacy organisations also praised Eze Chukwuemeka Eri for what they termed his public understanding of the “pain, injustice, and anguish” surrounding Kanu’s continued detention.
However, they criticised other prominent Igbo traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, accusing them of remaining silent on the matter.
According to the statement, the silence of some traditional leaders amounts to complicity and betrayal, insisting that leadership titles and crowns are meaningless if they cannot be used to defend the dignity and liberty of their people.
Call For Unity Among Igbo Leaders
The groups called on all Igbo monarchs to “abandon cowardice and complicity” and speak with one voice regarding Kanu’s detention.
They maintained that the time for what they described as “half-measures, whispers, and veiled statements” was over, urging leaders to take a firm and public stance.
The statement further stressed that history would judge those who remain silent amid what they characterised as injustice against the Igbo people.
Signatories
The joint statement was signed by:
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Dr. Sylvester Onyia – President, American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), USA
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Chief Evans Nwankwo – Ambassadors for Self-Determination, USA
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Dr. Maxwell Dede – Rising Sun Foundation, USA
The groups concluded by urging Igbo leaders to demonstrate courage and moral authority, insisting that “AlaIgbo demands justice, leadership, and courage—now.”