In a firmly worded joint press statement released on February 20, 2026, three United States-based advocacy organizations—American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and the Rising Sun Foundation—have called on Igbo traditional rulers to demonstrate courage and unity in addressing the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The statement, titled “Only Courage, Not Cowardice, Can Save AlaIgbo,” specifically commended His Royal Majesty, Eze Lawrence Agubuzu of Enugu, for openly urging Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release Kanu or return him to Kenya. According to the advocacy groups, the monarch’s stance represents a rare act of bold leadership among traditional authorities in Igboland.
The organizations also acknowledged HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri as one of the few traditional rulers who have publicly expressed concern over what they described as the injustice and emotional burden associated with Kanu’s detention. They argued that the silence of several prominent Igbo monarchs has deepened public frustration and weakened collective advocacy efforts.
In the press release, the groups emphasized that leadership within AlaIgbo must prioritize justice, dignity, and the protection of the people’s interests over political convenience. They warned that continued silence from traditional institutions could be interpreted as complicity during a period many supporters describe as critical to the region’s sociopolitical future.
Furthermore, the advocacy bodies called for a unified and decisive response from Igbo traditional leaders, urging them to speak with one voice regarding the legal and humanitarian concerns surrounding the case. The statement underscored that history, public opinion, and global observers are closely monitoring developments related to the issue.
The joint statement was signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia (AVID, USA), Chief Evans Nwankwo (Ambassadors for Self-Determination, USA), and Dr. Maxwell Dede (Rising Sun Foundation, USA), all of whom reiterated their commitment to continued diplomatic engagement and international advocacy on matters affecting Igbo communities.
Observers note that the renewed advocacy signals sustained international attention on the legal and political dimensions of the Biafra question, as conversations around justice, self-determination, and lawful resolution continue to evolve across diplomatic and policy circles.
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