Oluwo seeks presidential pardon for Nnamdi Kanu, cites post-war trauma

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued yesterday by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch emphasised the need for amnesty to fully reintegrate the Igbo community into the national discourse.

He also referenced the generational losses and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffered by the Igbo people following the civil war.

Oba Akanbi compared the effects of PTSD to a ticking time bomb, noting that untreated trauma affects many individuals, including former combatants and war victims, suggesting that Kanu may also be dealing with similar psychological strains.

Commending President Tinubu for running an inclusive government free from tribal discrimination, the monarch noted that granting a presidential pardon would further cement the President’s reputation as a detribalised leader.

Acknowledging that the post-civil war grievances of the Igbo people remain a difficult wound to heal, Oluwo urged the administration to release Kanu as a vital step towards national reconciliation.

He stressed that the pardon should be granted in honour of the Igbo ethnic group rather than for an individual, expressing hope that it would bring historical solace to the region.

“The post-war frustration being nursed by the Igbos cannot be easily healed,” Oluwo stated. “While I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reintegration process as unprecedented, I call for further historical steps, such as granting a presidential amnesty to the incarcerated leader,” Oluwo said.

He suggested that a panel be established to address national healing, emphasising that healing the wounds of the Igbo people equates to healing Nigeria as a whole.

While acknowledging that Kanu’s previous actions warranted legal consequences, the monarch appealed for leniency based on tribal identity rather than individual actions, suggesting that Kanu be counselled and cautioned upon release.

“Oluwo is not calling people for protest, but making a holistic appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour the tribe by releasing Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement added. “I express hope that this step, if taken, will further cement the unity and cohesion of Nigeria as one nation,” the monarch said.