Abuja, NIGERIA — In a show of unity and purpose, leading monarchs from across Southern Nigeria convened in Owerri, Imo State, for a high-level strategy session of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. Presided over by His Imperial Majesty Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, the meeting aimed to consolidate the influence of traditional institutions and finalize plans for the first-ever Southern Traditional Rulers Conference set to hold later this year in Ogun State.
The session, attended by an array of eminent royal fathers, also saw the appointment of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State as the Council’s National Coordinator—a move applauded as both symbolic and strategic in advancing regional cooperation and cultural preservation.
According to a Statement signed by the Council’s Publicity Secretary, HE Dr Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, the high-level meeting focused on finalizing preparations for the maiden Southern Traditional Rulers Conference, slated to take place later this year in Ogun State. The conference is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering inter-ethnic collaboration, cultural preservation, and strategic engagement between traditional rulers and political leadership in the region.
As part of their itinerary, the committee paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. The visit was both symbolic and strategic, recognizing the governor’s instrumental role in the successful inauguration of the Council in 2024.
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Uzodinma expressed deep appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him. He commended the Council’s leadership for their vision and pledged to mobilize support from fellow Southern governors to ensure the Council’s long-term success and institutional relevance.
“Our traditional institutions are the bedrock of our cultural identity and moral compass. I am honored to serve as National Coordinator and will work tirelessly to strengthen this noble Council,” Uzodinma stated.
The meeting brought together a distinguished delegation of revered monarchs and traditional leaders from across Southern Nigeria, reflecting the Council’s broad regional representation and unity of purpose. Notable 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)
The Council’s Technical Committee reiterated its commitment to elevating the role of traditional rulers in governance, conflict resolution, and cultural advocacy. The upcoming conference in Ogun State is expected to feature keynote addresses, policy dialogues, and cultural showcases that highlight the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria.
As the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council continues to gain momentum, the Owerri meeting marks a significant milestone in its journey toward institutional consolidation and regional impact.