Oluwo Sends Fresh Warning To Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu: “He Needs To Be Cautioned

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, through a presidential pardon.

The monarch made the appeal in a statement issued by his press secretary, Ibrahim Alli, stressing that Kanu’s release would help promote national unity and strengthen efforts to foster greater inclusion.

Oba Akanbi argued that granting Kanu amnesty would contribute to the fuller integration of the Igbo people into the country’s national discourse.

The monarch also commended President Tinubu for what he described as an “all-inclusive government devoid of tribal discrimination,” saying a presidential pardon for Kanu would further reinforce the President’s image as a detribalised leader.

Oluwo acknowledged the lingering frustration among many Igbos following the Nigerian Civil War, describing it as a difficult wound that has yet to fully heal. He said Tinubu’s efforts toward addressing the consequences of the conflict should include steps to reintegrate those affected by the war.

According to the monarch, Kanu’s release should be viewed as a gesture to the Igbo people rather than simply a concession to an individual.

He said Kanu should, however, be cautioned and counselled before his release, given concerns about his temperament.

“Nnamdi Kanu only needs to be cautioned and counselled before he can be released because of his temperament. I am hopeful he will turn a new leaf and be a counsellor to his tribesmen, toeing the line of violence.

“Oluwo is not calling people for protest but making a holistic appeal to President Tinubu to honour the tribe by releasing Nnamdi Kanu. I express hope that the step, if respected, will further cement the unity and unison of Nigeria as a united nation.

“There must be love for one another in this country. Nigeria is divided along tribal attachment because of past experiences. We must stop nursing old wounds. The time is ripe to heal the wound,” the monarch said.