Umuahia — Traditional rulers from the southern half of Nigeria have collectively reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu's administration in its efforts to implement policies "directed at economic emancipation and national stability".
The royal fathers under the umbrella of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), led by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, stated their position at a "crucial meeting" held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a press release by the Publicity Secretary of the Council, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, made available to the media Tuesday, the meeting which was held on Thursday April 23, 2026, "ended on a strong consensus".
Among the resolutions was that the SNTRC would strengthen its institutional framework, using it as a platform to promote unity across the region, and "contribute meaningfully to the overall development and progress of Nigeria".
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The gathering of the royal fathers, which was hosted and officially declared open by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was attended by prominent royal fathers from across the three geopolitical zones of southern part of Nigeria.
To realise its goals the Council particularly reaffirmed its "unrelenting commitment to fostering unity among traditional institutions in Southern Nigeria and pledged continued support for national development and stability".
The well-attended meeting brought together the Chairman of the Council, state executive chairmen, and members from the South-South, South-East, and South-West geo-political zones.
They collectively stressed the critical need for unity, inclusivity, and collaboration in driving both regional progress and national development.
The Chairman of the Council and Ooni of Ife had in his address at the plenary expressed profound gratitude to all members for their dedication and reiterated that the body remained "strictly apolitical".
He assured that all resolutions from the meeting would be formally communicated to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria "as a demonstration of the Council's solidarity and readiness to partner with the Federal Government".
Other key resolutions adopted at the meeting include greater inclusion of state chairmen in the Council's executive structure to ensure broader representation.
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The royal fathers also resolved to improve communication channels and enhance organizational clarity to prevent past operational lapses.
They further adopted a resolution on the need for a united and formidable front to enable the Council to play a more impactful role in national affairs.
In their contributions, traditional rulers from various states, including Edo, Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, and Delta, used the platform to call for sustained peace, genuine reconciliation, and necessary structural reforms within the Council.
