“Cooperation Is Crucial” — Cubana Chiefpriest Reacts to Traditional Ruler’s Plea for Kanu’s Freedom

Socialite and entrepreneur Cubana Chiefpriest has praised a southeastern traditional ruler for calling on President Bola Tinubu to either release Nnamdi Kanu from detention or deport him abroad.

The appeal came from Lawrence Agubuzu, who spoke during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, February 17. Addressing President Tinubu, Agubuzu said:

“The decision is yours. Release this man. If he cannot stay in Nigeria, send him back to Kenya or London, where he came from.”

Sharing the moment on Instagram, Cubana Chiefpriest commended Agubuzu for speaking boldly during the summit. He emphasized that the message would reach the president and wrote:

“Mr. President, we will do all we can, but please hear our plea. God bless your royal highness for participating in Abuja. If this message wasn’t delivered in person, some would claim he sold out or took money.”

Chiefpriest also stressed the importance of the South-East supporting President Tinubu’s potential re-election, noting that he won the 2023 election without the region’s backing. He said:

“Cooperation is crucial. We cannot oppose the government. Asiwaju will release MNK, and the traditional ruler has conveyed that message. Let’s work together with Nigeria. Tinubu won the last election without the South-East, and he can win again. Supporting him now ensures our requests are considered.”

Additionally, he suggested that President Tinubu might eventually transfer power to an Igbo leader after his term, drawing a parallel with the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s support during his tenure. He explained:

“Hopefully he will hand over power to an Igbo man. He made Buhari president, a Hausa man, he made himself a Yoruba man president — what makes you think he won’t make an Igbo man president if we clearly support him for one more term? Igbo best stake is on Asiwaju. Just think it out. The man has the best political structure in the country to win election; let’s not waste our votes.”

Cubana Chiefpriest’s statements have sparked conversations online about the South-East’s political role, the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu, and the region’s engagement in Nigeria’s future elections.