Southern Nigeria traditional rulers have vowed to remain apolitical and unrelenting in fostering national unity, pledging to sustainably support national stability, growth, and development. They made this commitment under the aegis of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) during their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, which was hosted and declared open by the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Meeting Presided Over by Ooni of Ife
The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Council, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. It had in attendance chairmen and members from the South-South, South-East, and South-West geo-political zones chapters of the Council. The participants emphasized the critical importance of unity, inclusivity, and collaboration in driving both regional progress and national development, also stressing the imperative of fostering unity among themselves.
Chairman's Address and Gratitude
In his address during the plenary session, Chairman Oba Dr. Enitan Ogunwusi expressed profound gratitude to all members for their dedication to the Council. He indicated that all resolutions from the meeting would be formally communicated to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as a demonstration of the Council's solidarity and readiness to partner with the Federal Government.
Key Resolutions Adopted
Other key resolutions adopted at the meeting, as stated in a press release issued and dated 27 April 2026 by the SNTRC Publicity Secretary, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji-Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State, included:
- Greater inclusion of state chairmen in the Council's executive structure to ensure broader representation.
- Improved communication channels and enhanced organizational clarity to prevent past operational lapses.
- The need for a united and formidable front to enable the Council to play a more impactful role in national affairs.
Calls for Peace and Reconciliation
According to the release, traditional rulers from various states, including Edo, Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, and Delta, used the meeting to call for sustained peace, genuine reconciliation, and necessary structural reforms within the Council. They collectively reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and its policies directed at economic emancipation and national stability.
Consensus and Future Outlook
With a strong consensus, the meeting rose with the resolve that the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council will continue to strengthen its institutional framework, promote unity across the region, and contribute meaningfully to the overall development and progress of Nigeria.
