Nnamdi Kanu Remains IPOB’s Authentic Leader’ — Ohanaeze Rejects Purported Suspension, Warns Against South-East Crisis

‘Nnamdi Kanu Remains IPOB’s Authentic Leader’ — Ohanaeze Rejects Purported Suspension, Warns Against South-East Crisis

According to the group, Kanu’s purported suspension has generated tension and apprehension among Igbo communities both at home and in the diaspora, necessitating what it described as a “clear and authoritative clarification.”

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dismissed reports suggesting that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been suspended from his leadership position, insisting that such claims are invalid and lack communal legitimacy.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said the alleged suspension of Kanu is misleading.

According to the group, Kanu’s purported suspension has generated tension and apprehension among Igbo communities both at home and in the diaspora, necessitating what it described as a “clear and authoritative clarification.”

Ohanaeze stated that after consultations carried out within its constitutional mandate as an impartial cultural institution, it arrived at the position that the purported suspension of Kanu was neither recognised nor validated.

“The alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is recognised, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview,” the group said.

Ohanaeze added that allegations and claims linked to certain individuals and aggrieved members, including Chika Edozien and his associates, were unofficial and incapable of changing existing recognitions and engagements concerning the separatist group.

“The claims attributed to certain individuals or aggrieved members, including Chika Edozien and associates, are regarded as unofficial and incapable of altering established recognitions or ongoing engagements.

“Accordingly, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a central and widely acknowledged leadership figure associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” the group stated.

Ohanaeze warned that internal disagreements within organisations could threaten the fragile peace being restored across the Southeast.

The group said Igboland had experienced nearly eleven months of relative stability marked by renewed agricultural activities, the revival of traditional festivals, increased commercial engagements and growing confidence among investors.

News website subscription
“These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives,” the group added.

Calling for restraint among aggrieved IPOB members, Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and peaceful reconciliation rather than allow disagreements to degenerate into wider communal tensions.

“Dialogue remains the most viable and sustainable pathway to conflict resolution. Internal disputes must not be allowed to escalate into public tension or communal insecurity.

“All grievances should be addressed through structured engagement and a peaceful reconciliation mechanism,” the group noted.

Ohanaeze further disclosed that it remained committed to ongoing back-channel engagements and dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering unity among Igbo stakeholders and supporting efforts toward the release and reintegration of detained pro-Biafra agitators.

The group specifically referred to Kanu as “the authentic leader of IPOB” and cautioned that unresolved divisions could undermine ongoing peace initiatives.

“The organisation will not condone any action, statement, or agitation capable of rekindling insecurity, destabilising communities, or reversing the hard-earned peace currently experienced across Igboland,” the group added.

The group urged all parties to act with wisdom and prioritise peace, unity and stability in the interest of the Southeast region.