Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, and the Debate on Identity, Representation, and Autonomy \u2014 Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu Speaks Out,<\/p>\n
Recent political developments have raised serious concerns among many in the South East regarding representation within Nigeria\u2019s traditional leadership structures.<\/p>\n
In 2025, northern political actors proposed making the Sultan of Sokoto the permanent chairman of the Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. Around the same time, political figures in the South West announced the Ooni of Ife as the permanent chairman of what was termed the \u201cSouthern Traditional Rulers Council.\u201d<\/p>\n
This move has generated debate.<\/p>\n
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, while addressing President Tinubu and other dignitaries in Abuja, openly rejected the idea of a unified \u201cSouthern Traditional Rulers Council.\u201d He emphasised that Ndigbo have an established South East Traditional Rulers Council and that the South East, South South, and South West are distinct geopolitical zones with different cultural systems, governance traditions, and historical identities.<\/p>\n
According to him, there is no constitutional or historical basis for merging the South into one traditional bloc under a permanent chairman from one zone. Each geopolitical region \u2014 South East, South South, and South West \u2014 should maintain its own traditional rulers council and leadership structure.<\/p>\n
He questioned:
\nIf the position is permanent, why was it not rotated?
\nWhy were respected South East monarchs such as the Obi of Onitsha, Eze Nri, Eze Aro, or Eze Eri not considered?<\/p>\n
The concern, as expressed, is not about rivalry but about equity and identity. The South East is a recognised geopolitical zone with a unique heritage. Its traditional institutions deserve autonomous representation, just as other zones maintain theirs.<\/p>\n
Igwe Agubuzu further warned that creating a centralised \u201cSouthern\u201d body could open the door for political manipulation \u2014 where some traditional rulers might claim to represent the entire South while pursuing narrow interests.<\/p>\n
The broader argument is simple:
\nEvery geopolitical zone should manage its traditional affairs independently while cooperating where necessary. Collaboration is welcome. Subordination is not.<\/p>\n
The call is for clarity:
\nThere is a Northern Traditional Rulers structure.
\nThere should be clear South East, South West, and South South councils \u2014 not an artificial merger that blurs identities.<\/p>\n
For many observers, the timing of this development \u2014 ahead of the 2027 elections \u2014 has also raised questions about political motivations.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the issue is not about division. It is about structured federalism, cultural dignity, and fair representation within Nigeria\u2019s diverse framework.<\/p>\n
Some leaders from the South East must rise above personal gain and prioritise the collective interest of Ndigbo. Representation is a sacred responsibility, not an opportunity for individual benefit. The future of the South East cannot be negotiated for short-term advantage.<\/p>\n
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