The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a strong warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), urging them to cease supporting individuals and groups allegedly working against the interests of their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a press statement jointly signed by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze expressed deep concern over what it described as IPOB’s misplaced alliances with figures it accuses of benefiting from Kanu’s continued detention.
According to the statement, IPOB’s recent actions appear to lend credibility and support to those who are not only unaffiliated with the group but are complicit in undermining Kanu’s cause. Ohanaeze condemned these actions as “unacceptable” and cautioned IPOB against being misled by actors with hidden agendas.
“It is particularly troubling to observe IPOB being misled by individuals who are, regrettably, benefitting from the prolonged and unjust incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The individuals IPOB now defends are the very ones responsible for the violence against its members," he said.
Ohanaeze further alleged that certain Igbo leaders, now being supported by IPOB, are using Kanu as a scapegoat for personal political gain. The organization warned that the credibility and integrity of the broader pro-Biafra movement risk being eroded by such contradictions.
The group also accused some elements of IPOB of attempting to blackmail Ohanaeze leadership through media attacks, a tactic it said it would not dignify with a public confrontation.
In its closing remarks, Ohanaeze urged IPOB to reassess its alliances and refocus its efforts on true advocacy for Kanu’s release and the well-being of the Igbo people.
“We implore IPOB and all stakeholders within our community to reassess their alliances and redirect their efforts towards a united front against our true adversaries,” the statement read.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since June 2021, facing charges related to treason and terrorism, which his supporters and several rights organizations have consistently dismissed as politically motivated.
