Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called for stronger collaboration among traditionalSoludo Calls for Unity Among South-East Traditional Rulers rulers across the South-East geopolitical zone as part of renewed efforts to drive development, restore cultural values, and unify the region in the face of socio-economic and cultural challenges.
Speaking at a high-level meeting of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council in Awka on Tuesday, Soludo urged monarchs to take ownership of their unique role in society by fostering peace, championing local enterprise, and preserving the region’s identity. The gathering brought together kings from various communities across the five South-East states, with a focus on unity, peacebuilding, and regional advancement.
Soludo, who praised the enduring significance of traditional institutions in Igbo society, said their collaboration was pivotal in reshaping the socio-economic future of the region. “As governors of the South-East, we have found a common understanding. We are working together. We now ask our revered traditional rulers and community stakeholders to also come together and play their part,” the governor stated.
He noted that the Igbo identity, deeply rooted in its language, values and customs, has come under threat from modern influences, erosion of morals, and disconnection from ancestral traditions. “The Igbo land I knew growing up is fast disappearing. Our foundational values are giving way to a culture of materialism. We must take urgent steps to revive our language, re-instill our values, and celebrate the virtue of hard work, not the flaunting of ill-gotten wealth,” Soludo lamented.
According to him, a society that rewards corruption and fraud risks losing its soul. He urged traditional rulers to serve as cultural anchors and development advocates within their domains. “Our communities must return to celebrating honesty, enterprise, and discipline. These are the pillars upon which our ancestors built a vibrant society,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration across all governance levels, Soludo said the unity of purpose among the South-East governors should inspire traditional rulers to do the same. “United, we can reposition the South-East as a model of peace, productivity, and cultural renaissance in Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Dr. E.C. Okeke, commended Governor Soludo for his leadership, describing him as a reformist working tirelessly for the betterment of the state and region. He reaffirmed the monarchs’ readiness to work with political leaders to promote peace, attract investment, and improve governance at the grassroots level.
The meeting also addressed pressing issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, and the need to protect communal lands from illegal encroachments. Traditional rulers resolved to convene more regularly and establish a regional secretariat to coordinate their efforts across the South-East.
Observers say the renewed alliance between political and traditional leaders may become a turning point for Igbo unity and development, especially as the region looks to reassert its relevance in the national discourse.
This development comes at a time when regional integration, cultural revival, and socio-political stability are seen as crucial to addressing challenges facing the South-East, including insecurity, brain drain, and the diminishing role of indigenous institutions in governance.
As calls grow for decentralised development and self-determined governance, stakeholders believe that aligning political leadership with the wisdom of traditional authorities may be the path to achieving a prosperous and united South-East.