Ooni, Ogbunechendo clash over Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council

A disagreement erupted on Tuesday between the Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, Lawrence Agubuzu, and the Adeyeye Ogunwusi over the existence and legitimacy of a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council.

Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, attended by Bola Tinubu, Agubuzu declared that “there is nothing like a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council,” cautioning the Federal Government against disbursing funds to individuals or groups claiming to represent such a body. He stressed that the South operates a different traditional structure from the North and called for engagement along regional lines, particularly with the South-East.

According to him, democracy and traditional leadership must remain representative, warning that anyone presenting themselves without the backing of their people lacks legitimacy. He urged President Tinubu to heed their concerns and ensure proper consultation before allocating resources.

However, Ogunwusi countered that membership of the council is optional, describing it as a voluntary but formidable platform uniting traditional rulers across Southern Nigeria.

He dismissed claims that the body does not exist and maintained that it serves as a collaborative forum rather than a compulsory institution. He also clarified that the council is not limited to the South-West and includes prominent rulers from the South-East and South-South.

Backing the Ooni’s position, Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom and publicity secretary of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers’ Council, described the body as a movement comprising respected monarchs from across the southern region.

He stated that the council was inaugurated in Owerri and recognised by the Federal Government, noting that President Tinubu was present at its inauguration.

The exchange highlighted differing views among southern monarchs over representation and coordination, even as leaders publicly emphasised unity and support for national development.

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