Only Courage, Not Cowardice, Can Save AlaIgbo – U.S.-Based Groups Hail Eze Agubuzu, Urge Igbo Monarchs to Follow His Example

Three advocacy groups based in the United States have urged traditional rulers in Nigeria’s Southeast to speak out more boldly on matters affecting the region, insisting that “only courage can save AlaIgbo.”
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), led by Dr.

Sylvester Onyia; Ambassadors for Self-Determination, headed by Chief Evans Nwankwo; and the Rising Sun Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Maxwell Dede, praised Eze Lawrence Agubuzu of Enugu for what they described as his “forthright and principled stance” in his recent message to President Bola Tinubu.
The groups stated: “Let it be known that HRM Eze Lawrence Agubuzu and HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri are presently the only monarchs who have openly demonstrated an understanding of the depth of pain, injustice, and anguish inflicted on our people through the continued illegal detention of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. While Fulani herder killers are allegedly treated with leniency, Yoruba agitators move freely, and the Nigerian state shows disregard for Igbo humanity, the majority of Igbo kings and chiefs—including the Obi of Onitsha and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya—have remained silent. That silence amounts to complicity; such inaction is betrayal.
“We ask directly: Of what value are the titles and crowns of these so-called leaders if they cannot defend the lives, liberty, and dignity of their own people? AlaIgbo cannot endure leadership that prioritizes personal comfort over collective justice.
“We therefore call on all Igbo traditional rulers to reject cowardice and complicity and to speak with a united voice. The era of half-measures, hushed tones, and ambiguous statements has passed.
“Stand boldly for Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, or step aside for those prepared to do so. History will not absolve those who chose silence while injustice prevailed against our people.
“The courage shown by HRM Eze Agubuzu and HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri proves that moral authority—rather than fear of Abuja—is what safeguards a people’s dignity. Let all Igbo leaders take heed: the age of self-serving silence is over. AlaIgbo demands justice, leadership, and courage—now,” the groups declared.