The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dismissed reports claiming that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been suspended from his position.
The group insisted that these claims are invalid and lack any community backing. According to Ohanaeze, rumours of the suspension have caused tension and worry in Igbo communities both in Nigeria and abroad, making a clear statement necessary.
In a statement signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze clarified that the suspension is completely unofficial.
The group stated, “The alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.”
They added that claims made by certain aggrieved members, including Chika Edozien and his associates, are unofficial and cannot change the current leadership structure, affirming that “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a central and widely acknowledged leadership figure associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra.”
Ohanaeze referred to Kanu as “the authentic leader of IPOB” and warned that internal fighting could damage the fragile peace that has returned to the Southeast over the last eleven months.
The group noted that the region has seen a rise in farming, local festivals, business, and investor confidence during this peaceful period, warning that “these gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives.”
To protect this progress, Ohanaeze urged all angry IPOB members to resolve their issues quietly rather than letting public arguments create insecurity. The group advised that “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.”
Ohanaeze added that it is still working behind the scenes to unite Igbo stakeholders and support efforts to secure the release of detained pro-Biafra agitators, promising it will not tolerate any actions that could bring back insecurity to Igboland.
