Enugu monarch, Ooni clash over legitimacy of Southern traditional rulers’ council
There’s a disagreement between two prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria over the existence and scope of a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, argued that such a council does not formally exist and warned the government to be cautious about dealings and fund allocations with people claiming membership.
He emphasised that the South-East has its own structures and should not be treated as part of a generalized southern council.
In contrast, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, defended the council, describing it as an optional but influential platform for traditional leaders across southern Nigeria to collaborate.
He stressed that membership is voluntary, the council includes rulers beyond the South-West, and it works alongside southeastern leaders.
The council, he said, is officially recognised by the federal government, and its inauguration included the President.
The Eze Aro of Arochukuwku Kingdom, Eberechukwu Oji, reinforced Ogunwusi’s view, describing the council as a unifying movement for southern traditional leaders with government recognition and active participation from diverse regions.
In essence, the debate reflects differing perspectives on regional representation and formal recognition of collaborative structures among traditional rulers in southern Nigeria, with both sides asserting their vision of legitimacy and accountability.
