Ohanaeze Ndigbo Reaffirms Recognition of Nnamdi Kanu as IPOB Leader
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has formally rejected the reported suspension of Nnamdi Kanu as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The apex Igbo sociocultural organization stated that the claims made by Chika Edoziem—the former head of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS)—are “not recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.” This clarification follows Kanu’s recent decision to dissolve the 3rd administration of the DOS and appoint Chris Nwaogu to head the 4th administration.
In a statement signed by Deputy President General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Assistant Deputy Secretary General Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the organization emphasized that Nnamdi Kanu remains the “central and widely acknowledged leadership figure” associated with the movement. Ohanaeze expressed deep concern that the internal power struggle within IPOB could jeopardize the fragile peace that has returned to the South-East over the past eleven months, noting that any escalation of this conflict could reverse gains made in regional commerce, agriculture, and community stability.
Ohanaeze urged all IPOB stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and exercise restraint, warning that internal disputes must not be permitted to trigger public insecurity or communal instability. The group reiterated its commitment to promoting unity across Igboland and its ongoing support for initiatives aimed at the “release and reintegration of detained pro-Biafra individuals, including the authentic leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
The organization concluded by affirming that it will not tolerate any narratives or actions that threaten the current restoration of peace in the region. By dismissing the legitimacy of the suspension claims, Ohanaeze intends to de-escalate tensions and discourage the spread of misinformation among communities in the South-East and the diaspora.
