A public disagreement emerged among prominent Nigerian traditional rulers on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The event, attended by President Bola Tinubu, brought together monarchs and religious leaders from across the country to discuss advancing health sector reforms through community engagement. Amid discussions on collaboration, including a mention of a Southern Traditional Rulers Committee on Health, the Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, directly challenged the notion of a unified Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
In his goodwill message, Igwe Agubuzu stated clearly that there is “nothing like a Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council.” He cautioned against distributing resources or engaging individuals based on claims of representing such a body, emphasizing the need for direct interaction with regional blocs, particularly the South-East. His remarks highlighted concerns over representation and unity in diversity among southern traditional institutions, suggesting that no single council legitimately speaks for the entire South.
Agubuzu’s Position and Broader Context
Igwe Agubuzu, a respected figure in Enugu and former chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, made his comments while addressing participants, including Professor Mohamed Pate and other dignitaries. He argued that assuming the existence of a broad Southern council could lead to misallocation of support or influence. This stance aligns with ongoing debates in Nigeria about the structure and legitimacy of regional traditional bodies, especially in a diverse federation where geopolitical zones maintain distinct identities and councils.
The South-East, in particular, has its own established traditional structures, and Igwe Agubuzu’s intervention underscored a preference for zone-specific engagement over a pan-Southern umbrella that might not fully accommodate regional nuances.
Ooni of Ife’s Counter-Response
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs what is referred to as the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in some contexts, responded by defending its existence and inclusivity. He clarified that the council’s membership is optional and not limited to traditional rulers from the South-West. The Ooni emphasized unity, stating that southern monarchs stand as one and collaborate extensively, including with many South-Eastern rulers, for Nigeria’s betterment.
He described the council as a “force among traditional institutions” that works collectively without forcing participation. The Ooni also pledged the council’s continued support for President Tinubu’s administration, framing it as a platform for broader national stability and cooperation rather than exclusion.
The Summit’s Focus and Surrounding Discussions
The summit, themed around the role of traditional and religious leaders in Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, featured President Tinubu urging attendees to play a central part in combating preventable diseases and improving public health. Traditional rulers from various zones, including the Ooni, the Olu of Warri, and others, participated alongside religious figures. While the primary agenda centered on health collaboration, the exchange between Igwe Agubuzu and the Ooni highlighted underlying tensions in traditional leadership structures amid calls for unity.
Such disagreements are not uncommon in Nigeria’s complex traditional landscape, where historical, regional, and personal dynamics often influence alliances and representations. The incident drew attention to how traditional institutions navigate federal engagements and internal cohesion in a multi-ethnic nation.
Implications for Traditional Leadership in Nigeria
This exchange reflects broader questions about the organization of traditional rulers in regional and national contexts. While some view pan-regional councils as tools for collective advocacy and support for government initiatives, others prioritize zone-specific bodies to ensure authentic representation. The optional nature highlighted by the Ooni suggests flexibility, but Igwe Agubuzu’s denial points to skepticism over its universality, particularly regarding South-East inclusion.
As Nigeria continues to address health, security, and governance challenges through stakeholder partnerships, the role and structure of traditional institutions remain key. Events like this summit demonstrate both the potential for collaboration and the need to resolve representational differences for effective impact.
Looking Ahead
The disagreement, while pointed, occurred in a forum focused on national progress rather than division. Both monarchs expressed commitment to Nigeria’s well-being, with the Ooni stressing collective strength and Igwe Agubuzu advocating for truthful engagement. As traditional rulers continue to interface with government on issues like health renewal, such conversations may shape how regional councils evolve or adapt in the future.
This moment at the Abuja summit serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of traditional leadership in contemporary Nigeria, balancing heritage, regional interests, and national unity.