**The Unsettling Truth About Nigeria's Southern Traditional Rulers Council** In a recent summit on health in Abuja, President Tinubu was witness to an uncomfortable reality check. A highly respected Enugu monarch, Eze Ogbunaechendo 1, openly questioned the existence of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, an institution that has been touted as a symbol of regional cohesion. This sudden dispute has left many wondering if the Council is more of a ceremonial entity than a functional one. The Enugu monarch's assertion that there is no Southern Traditional Rulers Council is a stark reminder that unity in Nigeria's South is far from guaranteed. While the Council was inaugurated with great fanfare in July 2024, its existence seems to be a matter of interpretation. If membership is optional, as Ooni of Ife has suggested, can we truly speak of a unified Southern platform? The Council's institutional weakness is further exposed by the fact that its members do not seem to agree on its very existence. This is a far cry from the kind of unity and coordination that the Council was meant to represent. In a country where regional identities are strong, it is essential to have a functional and inclusive platform that brings people together, rather than one that is riddled with disputes and disagreements. The implications of this development are far-reaching. If the Southern Traditional Rulers Council is not a viable entity, what does this say about the prospects for regional cohesion in Nigeria? Can we truly expect a coordinated and effective response to national challenges without a functional platform for dialogue and cooperation? As Nigeria navigates its complex web of regional identities and interests, it is imperative that we have a clear understanding of what works and what doesn't. The dispute over the Southern Traditional Rulers Council is a wake-up call that we need to take a hard look at our institutions and find ways to make them more inclusive and effective. Ultimately, the question that hangs in the air is: what does it mean to be part of a Southern Traditional Rulers Council if membership is optional? Can we truly speak of unity and regional cohesion if participation is voluntary? These are questions that require urgent attention and debate, and one that will shape the future of Nigerian politics and governance.