A foremost traditional ruler in the South East, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately invoke constitutional powers through the Attorney General of the Federation to end the prolonged trial of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ezugwu, Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom and Igwe of Ibagwa Opi, Nsukka LGA of Enugu State, said the continued detention and “seemingly interminable trial” of Kanu has become a major obstacle to peacebuilding, regional reconciliation, and national unity.
According to him, the matter has “tied the hands” of South East leaders genuinely working to restore stability and calm among young people in the region.
He insisted that discontinuing the case through nolle prosequi would be an act of “courage, leadership, and nation-building”, not a sign of weakness.
“This trial is now a festering wound. The future of national stability depends on healing it,” the monarch declared.
‘Ayodele’s Sermon Is Genocidal Incitement’ — Monarch Petitions CAN, PFN, Police
In a strongly worded petition, the traditional ruler also asked the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Nigeria Police Force, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other human-rights institutions to act immediately against Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church over what he described as “dangerous, ethnically targeted hate speech” against the Igbo people.
He said Ayodele’s recent sermon, where the cleric allegedly described Igbo people as “the problem of Nigeria” and claimed that “even ten trillion of them are not fit to lead”, amounted to incitement with genocidal undertones reminiscent of rhetoric that preceded the Rwandan genocide and the Nigerian Civil War.
Ezugwu warned that such remarks, coming from a religious authority, could inflame ethnic tension across the South East, South-South, and North Central regions.
“No tribe should ever be demonised from the altar. The pulpit must never be weaponised,” he said.
Legal Grounds for Action
The monarch cited wide-ranging constitutional and statutory provisions supporting disciplinary and prosecutorial steps against the cleric:
Section 38 of the Constitution: freedom of religion does not permit weaponising the pulpit.
Section 39(3) and Section 45: restrictions on speech that threatens public order and national security.
Criminal Code Sections 88, 204, 372–373: offences relating to incitement and community enmity.
Penal Code Sections 417–420, 114: prohibition of acts provoking public disturbance.
Cybercrimes Act (Section 24): criminalises online transmission of content that can cause hatred or breach of peace.
Nigeria Broadcasting Code: forbids ethno-religious hate content.
CAMA (Part F): mandates trustees of religious bodies to prevent actions harmful to public interest.
The monarch insisted that Ayodele’s utterances fall squarely within these breaches and demanded urgent institutional response.
Why Action Cannot Be Delayed
Ezugwu warned that history shows how unchecked hate speech from religious leaders can spark violence.
“When a spiritual leader legitimises hostility against an ethnic group, the consequences can be catastrophic,” he cautioned.
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He said failure to sanction Ayodele could deepen ethnic distrust, provoke reprisal messaging, destabilise communities, and worsen the existing fragility of national unity.
What the Monarch Wants
The royal father is seeking:
A full investigation of the cleric’s statements by law-enforcement agencies.
A doctrinal and ethical review by CAN and PFN.
Possible suspension, derobing, or revocation of ministerial licence if found culpable.
Regulatory monitoring of future sermons and broadcasts.
Sanctions on stations that air content breaching the Broadcasting Code.
Final Appeal
Eze-Igwe Ezugwu emphasised that hate speech against any ethnic group is “an attack on the entire nation.” He urged President Tinubu, national institutions, and religious leadership bodies to act swiftly to prevent the spread of “dangerous sentiments that threaten Nigeria’s peace and stability.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to peacebuilding, inter-ethnic harmony, and the protection of all Nigerians from divisive rhetoric.