Communiqué Issued At The End Of The Meeting Of The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council

*Meeting Held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026*

*Introduction*

The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held its crucial meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The meeting, which was hosted by the Rivers State Government, was officially declared open by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State.

In his opening remarks, Governor Fubara urged members of the Council to intensify efforts towards promoting unity and progress in the Southern region. He called on the traditional rulers to lend their full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly his inclusive governance approach and policies aimed at liberating the nation from economic stagnation.

*Plenary Session*

The plenary session was attended exclusively by Traditional Rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West geo-political zones. The Secretary of the Council, His Royal Majesty Dr. Benjamin Kenchuku, expressed gratitude to all members for their commitment and commended the Technical Committee for its diligent work. He reiterated that the Council remains strictly apolitical, but will continue to communicate its collective positions and interests to the President as a mark of unity and readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government.

*Key Interventions*

Prominent traditional rulers made valuable contributions during the session:

– HRH Oba Sule Idiaye (Edo State) advocated for stronger unity and peace, suggesting that future meetings should accommodate not only state chairmen but also additional traditional rulers to ensure broader dissemination of decisions.

– HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu (Enugu State) raised concerns about perceived exclusion at the inception of the Council. Apologies were tendered, and firm assurances were given that such lapses would not recur.

– HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinukwu (Imo State), highlighted the divisions caused by attempts to form a parallel organisation and stressed the need for cohesion.

– His Eminence Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk (Akwa Ibom State) urged members to eschew all forms of bitterness and to support the Federal Government’s developmental efforts.

– HRM Eze E.C. Okeke (Imo State) proposed the inclusion of all state chairmen in the Executive Committee. The Assistant Secretary clarified that state chairmen are automatically members of the Committee.

– HRM King Pere Stanley Luke (Delta State) called for careful attention to errors and observations raised to prevent their repetition in future engagements.

– HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenro (Ogun State) drew attention to foundational issues and the lack of clarity regarding the Council’s structure, Board of Trustees (BOT), and the role of the Technical Committee.

*Consensus and Resolutions*

After exhaustive deliberations, members reached the following consensus and resolutions:

1. Unity of purpose remains essential for the strength, relevance, and effectiveness of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council.

2. The Council shall ensure greater structural clarity and full inclusivity of all state chairmen in decision-making processes.

3. The Council reaffirms its apolitical stance while pledging unalloyed support for the administration and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at economic emancipation and national stability.

4. Recognised lapses in communication and organisation were openly acknowledged, with a firm commitment to address and correct them in all future engagements.

*Conclusion*

The meeting concluded with a strong collective resolve to strengthen cohesion among traditional institutions in Southern Nigeria, improve communication channels, and position the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council as a formidable and united force for regional progress and national development.

Signed: