Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council Strengthens Regional Unity Ahead of Inaugural Conference in Ogun State

To deepen collaboration among traditional institutions across Southern Nigeria, the Technical Committee of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council convened in Owerri, Imo State, under the distinguished chairmanship of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

According to a statement signed by the Council’s Publicity Secretary, His Excellency Dr Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, the high-powered session was dedicated to finalising arrangements for the maiden Southern Traditional Rulers Conference scheduled to hold later this year in Ogun State. The forthcoming conference aims to serve as a unifying platform for cultural preservation, inter-ethnic harmony, and constructive engagement between traditional rulers and political leaders across the southern region.

As part of the Committee’s engagements in Owerri, members paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State in recognition of his pivotal role in the successful inauguration of the Council in 2024. In a unanimous resolution, the Committee appointed Governor Uzodinma as the National Coordinator of the Council, an acknowledgement of his enduring commitment to traditional governance and regional integration.

Accepting the appointment, Governor Uzodinma expressed profound gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his support for the Council’s mission. He pledged to rally the cooperation of other Southern governors to ensure the Council’s continued growth and institutional relevance.

“Our traditional institutions are the bedrock of our cultural identity and moral compass. I am honoured to serve as National Coordinator and will work tirelessly to strengthen this noble Council,” Governor Uzodinma stated.

The Owerri meeting drew an eminent assembly of traditional rulers from across Southern Nigeria, reflecting the Council’s inclusive regional representation and shared vision. Distinguished attendees included:

Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, CON – Obi of Obinugwu, Co-Chairman

King Benjamin Ikenchuku, CON – Dein of Agbor, Secretary

Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo – Alara of Ilara, Financial Secretary

Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi – Deji of Akure, Member

Eze Eberechukwu Oji – Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Publicity Secretary

Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade – Olofin of Isheri, Assistant Secretary

Eze Macillinus Nwaturocha – Chairman, Imo State Traditional Council, Member

Igwe Chidubem Iweka Obosi – Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Council, Member

Eze Linus Nto Mbah – Chairman, Abia State Traditional Council, Member

Reaffirming its mission, the Technical Committee emphasised the crucial role of traditional rulers in governance, peacebuilding, and cultural advocacy. The forthcoming Ogun State conference will feature keynote lectures, policy roundtables, and cultural showcases celebrating the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of traditional leadership in Nigeria.

With the successful conclusion of the Owerri meeting, the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council has taken a decisive step toward strengthening institutional unity, enhancing regional influence, and preserving the cultural heritage that unites Southern Nigeria.