A light-hearted comment credited to the Sultan of Sokoto became the standout moment during Governor Alex Otti’s visit to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday.
Otti, who led a delegation that included Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel; Abia Attorney-General, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his media adviser, Ferdinand Ekeoma, told Kanu that the Sultan had expressed support for a peaceful, administrative resolution of his case. He added jokingly that the Sultan had said Kanu was now his “subject” and would soon be turbaned — a remark that drew laughter from the IPOB leader.
According to a statement released by Ekeoma, Otti urged Kanu to remain hopeful, noting that engagements initiated over two years ago to secure his release had been intensified. The governor expressed confidence that Kanu’s situation would be resolved “administratively” and that his freedom was near.
Kanu, said to be in good spirits, thanked Otti for the visit, praised his administration’s achievements in Abia State, and encouraged him to continue delivering good governance. He also prayed for the governor and his team.
The Sultan’s humorous remark has since added a symbolic, conciliatory tone to ongoing conversations around reconciliation and a peaceful approach to resolving Kanu’s prolonged detention.
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