Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council Holds Strategic Session in Owerri, Appoints Governor Hope Uzodinma as National Coordinator

Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council Holds Strategic Session in Owerri, Appoints Governor Hope Uzodinma as National Coordinator

Owerri, Imo State — November 2025

In a historic move to strengthen the cultural, political, and developmental influence of traditional institutions across the southern region, the Technical Committee of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) has convened in Owerri, the Imo State capital, under the august chairmanship of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

The high-level meeting, held over the weekend, brought together an array of prominent monarchs and traditional leaders from the South-East, South-South, and South-West geopolitical zones. It was described by observers as a milestone in the Council’s ongoing efforts to forge unity, promote inter-ethnic understanding, and reassert the critical role of traditional authority in Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.

According to a statement signed by the Council’s Publicity Secretary, His Excellency Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, the meeting was primarily convened to finalize arrangements for the maiden Southern Traditional Rulers Conference, scheduled to take place later this year in Ogun State.

The forthcoming conference, Dr. Oji said, will serve as a robust platform for policy dialogue, cultural revival, and strategic engagement between traditional rulers and elected political leaders from across the southern region. It aims to harmonize perspectives on regional development, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation.

As part of their engagements in Owerri, members of the Technical Committee paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Executive Governor of Imo State. The visit was both symbolic and strategic, as Governor Uzodinma played a leading role in the successful inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in 2024.

In recognition of his unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of traditional governance, the committee unanimously appointed Governor Uzodinma as the National Coordinator of the Council.

In his acceptance remarks, Governor Uzodinma expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, assuring the Council of his readiness to serve with dedication and vision.

“Our traditional institutions remain the bedrock of our collective heritage and moral compass,” Governor Uzodinma said. “I am deeply honored by this appointment and will work closely with other southern governors and royal fathers to strengthen the Council’s mission of unity, cultural preservation, and social stability.”

The governor emphasized that collaboration between traditional and political leadership is essential for addressing regional challenges and driving inclusive growth.

The meeting featured a distinguished assembly of royal fathers representing the diverse cultural tapestry of Southern Nigeria. Among those in attendance were:

Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, CON, Obi of Obinugwu and Co-Chairman of the Council

His Royal Majesty King Benjamin Ikenchuku, CON, Dein of Agbor and Secretary of the Council

Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alara of Ilara and Financial Secretary

Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Deji of Akure and Member

Eze (Dr.) Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom and Publicity Secretary

Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, Olofin of Isheri and Assistant Secretary

Eze Macillinus Nwaturocha, Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Member

Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Member

Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council and Member

Their collective presence underscored the Council’s wide regional representation, reflecting a renewed commitment to unity and coordinated leadership among Southern Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

 Technical Committee reaffirmed its resolve to elevate the relevance of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance architecture, particularly in areas of conflict resolution, cultural advocacy, grassroots development, and moral leadership.

The upcoming Southern Traditional Rulers Conference in Ogun State is expected to feature keynote addresses, expert panels, and cultural exhibitions, aimed at reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between modern governance and indigenous leadership.

As the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council continues to gain traction across the region, the Owerri meeting stands as a defining step toward institutional consolidation, cultural renewal, and sustainable regional cooperation.

The gathering, observers note, not only strengthens the bond among Southern monarchs but also signals a new era of synergy between traditional and contemporary governance structures in Nigeria