U.S.-Based Groups Commend Eze Agubuzu, Charges Igbo Monarchs To Emulate Him Saying Only Courage, Not Cowardice, Can Save AlaIgbo

Only Courage, Not Cowardice, Can Save AlaIgbo – U.S.-Based Groups Commend Eze Agubuzu, Call Igbo Monarchs To Emulate Him

Three United States–based advocacy organizations have called on traditional rulers in Nigeria’s Southeast to speak more forcefully on issues affecting the region, declaring that “only courage can save AlaIgbo.

In a joint statement released Friday, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) headed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, Ambassadors for Self-Determination led by Chief Evans Nwankwo, and the Rising Sun Foundation being headed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, commended Eze Lawrence Agubuzu of Enugu for what they described as his “forthright and principled stance” during his recent message to President Bola Tinubu.

The groups said, “Let it be known that HRM Eze Lawrence Agubuzu and HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri are currently the only monarchs who have publicly understood the depth of the pain, injustice, and anguish inflicted upon our people by the illegal detention of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. While Fulani herder murderers are pampered, Yoruba agitators walk free, and the Nigerian state continues to show contempt for Igbo humanity, the majority of Igbo kings and chiefs—including the Obi of Onitsha and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya—remain silent. Their silence is complicity; their inaction is betrayal.

“We ask plainly: What are the titles and crowns of these so-called leaders worth if they cannot stand for the lives, liberty, and dignity of their own people? AlaIgbo cannot survive leaders who place personal comfort above collective justice.

“We therefore call on all Igbo traditional rulers to abandon cowardice, abandon complicity, and speak with one voice. The time for half-measures, whispers, and veiled statements is over.

“Step up boldly for Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, or step aside and make room for leaders who will. History will not forgive those who chose silence while our people suffered injustice.

“The courage of HRM Eze Agubuzu and HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri demonstrates that moral authority, not fear of Abuja, is what preserves a people’s dignity. Let all Igbo leaders take note: the era of self-serving silence is over. AlaIgbo demands justice, leadership, and courage—now,” the groups said.