A US-based lawyer and public affairs commentator, High Chief Owolabi Salis
has expressed deep condolences over the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
Salis joins countless others across Nigeria and abroad in mourning the loss of the esteemed Igbo leader.
In a heartfelt tribute, Salis described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a true Nigerian patriot who made significant contributions to the nation’s development.
He highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s impact on sports and journalism, noting that through his ownership of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, he brought global recognition to Nigerian soccer.
Additionally, his establishment of Champion Newspapers played a pivotal role in elevating journalism in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Lawyer-politician who holds the title of Onyeama Ndigbo Gburugburu of Etiti Mgboko, Abia State also used the occasion to renew his call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People’s Biafra (IPOB).
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the widespread pleas from the Ndigbo, Igbo Elders, and members of IPOB.
Salis emphasized that the late Chief Iwuanyanwu had persistently advocated for Kanu’s release, and with concerns growing over Kanu’s deteriorating health, the call for his release has become even more urgent.
“Once again, I appeal to the President to grant a presidential amnesty for the release of the long-detained IPOB leader,” Salis said.
Salis, who contested Lagos governor on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2019 argued that the complexities of Kanu’s legal case should not hinder his release if the President is genuinely committed to it.
“Kanu, to me, is a freedom fighter, and if other freedom fighters can walk free, equity demands that he should too. Yoruba spirituality calls for fairness and equity, and I strongly urge Mr. President to follow this spiritual order,” he added.
Salis suggested that Kanu could be asked to sign an “Affidavit of Good Behavior” to ensure peace in Igboland and Nigeria as a whole, expressing confidence that Kanu would be willing to comply.
He lamented the ongoing violence in Igboland, stating, “We are tired of seeing Igbo killing one another. This has gotten out of hand.” Salis further warned that Kanu’s death in detention could trigger unforeseen consequences and tarnish the democratic and human rights record of the current government.
Drawing a historical parallel, Salis recalled the tragic fate of Dr. J.B. Danquah, a renowned Ghanaian intellectual and politician, who died after years of detention under Kwame Nkrumah’s regime.
He warned that similar consequences could follow if Kanu’s case is not resolved promptly.
Salis also highlighted President Tinubu’s past as a champion of democracy and the rule of law, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
He urged the President to uphold these values by releasing Kanu, stressing that such an action would align with Tinubu’s legacy as a patriot who fought for democratic liberties in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Salis said, “I make this plea not just as a High Chief of Igboland, but more importantly in the spirit of justice, equity, and fairness, which are the bedrock of modern liberal democracy.”
He expressed hope that Kanu has had time for reflection and would now be more level-headed.
Salis urged the Igbo community to move beyond the Biafran conflict and embrace the vision of a united and prosperous Nigerian federation.
Praising the Igbo people for their unique and commendable qualities, Salis called on all Nigerians to foster unity and understanding.
He emphasized that only by embracing each other can the scars of the Biafran experience truly heal, urging, “We must forgive and forget.”
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