February 20, 2026
A coalition of United States-based advocacy organisations, including the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and the Rising Sun Foundation, has issued a joint press statement calling on Igbo traditional rulers to collectively demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In the statement released on Friday, the groups commended His Royal Majesty, Eze Lawrence Agubuzu of Enugu State, for what they described as his courage in publicly urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu or return him to Kenya.
The organisations praised Eze Agubuzu and Eze Chukwuemeka Eri for speaking openly on the matter, describing their stance as a demonstration of leadership and moral responsibility.
According to the statement signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia (AVID), Chief Evans Nwankwo (Ambassadors for Self-Determination), and Dr. Maxwell Dede (Rising Sun Foundation), the groups expressed concern over what they termed the continued detention of Kanu and called on other traditional rulers across Igboland to speak up.
They urged Igbo monarchs to demonstrate unity and leadership in advocating for justice, emphasizing that traditional institutions play a critical role in defending the interests and dignity of their people.
The advocacy groups further noted that leadership requires courage and accountability, stressing that history would judge leaders based on their actions or silence during critical moments affecting their people.
They concluded by urging traditional rulers to rise to their responsibilities and take decisive steps toward ensuring justice, peace, and stability in the region.
