Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dismissed reports of the alleged suspension of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the move as invalid and lacking institutional or communal legitimacy.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also called for restraint and dialogue to prevent the ongoing leadership dispute within IPOB from undermining peace in the South-East.
In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said it had taken note of reports claiming that Kanu had been suspended from his leadership position within IPOB.
The organisation said it had reviewed the matter and concluded that the purported suspension could not alter Kanu’s recognised status.
Kanu had a few days ago restructured IPOB by removing Chukwukadibia Edoziem as Head of Directorate of State.
The restructuring took a different dimension when Edoziem announced the suspension of Kanu who’s serving life in Sokoto prison.
IPOB however doubled down on its position insisting on Friday that Kanu remains the supreme leader.
Reacting to the development, Ohanaeze said, “The alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.”
It added, “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.”
Ohanaeze expressed concern that internal disagreements within IPOB could threaten the relative peace that has returned to the South-East in recent months.
According to the organisation, the region has experienced renewed agricultural activities, the revival of cultural festivals, increased commercial engagements and growing investor confidence, gains it described as fragile.
“These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives,” it stated.
The group urged all parties involved in the leadership dispute to embrace peaceful dialogue rather than public confrontation.
“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 peaceful reconciliation mechanisms,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering unity among Igbo stakeholders and supporting efforts toward the release of detained pro-Biafra figures, including Kanu.
The organisation warned that unresolved divisions could undermine those efforts, stressing that it would not support any action capable of reigniting insecurity in the South-East.
(The Whistler)