Ohanaeze affirms continued recognition of Nnamdi Kanu as IPOB leader, dismisses suspension

Apex sociocultural organization of the Igbos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has affirmed its continued recognition of Nnamdi Kanu as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The affirmation followed the dissolution of the 3rd Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State, DOS, headed by Chika Edoziem. Kanu, who took the action on Wednesday, appointed Chris Nwaogu as the Head of the 4th Administration of the IPOB DOS. The DOS is the administrative arm of IPOB.

Following the development, Edoziem issued a statement announcing that Kanu has been suspended as IPOB leader.

In a statement released on Friday, signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Prof Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Deputy President General and Assistant Deputy Secretary General, respectively, Ohanaeze said the misinformation, tension and apprehension generated by the purported suspension across communities within Igboland and the diaspora necessitated a clarification.

The statement said, “After careful review and consultation within its constitutional mandate as an impartial cultural institution, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide states unequivocally that: The alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.

“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).”

Ohanaeze expressed concern that internal disagreements within the group has the potential to destabilize the fragile peace currently being enjoyed across the South-East.

According to the statement, for nearly eleven months, Igboland has witnessed a gradual but significant return to stability, reflected in renewed agricultural activities across rural communities, restoration of cultural festivals and traditional gatherings, revival of commercial and economic engagements and increased confidence from local and external investors.

“These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives,” the statement said.

Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders, particularly aggrieved members within IPOB, to exercise restraint, maturity, and responsibility in handling internal matters.

“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 said.

Ohanaeze reiterated its continuous commitment to engagements and broader dialogue initiatives aimed at promoting unity among Igbo stakeholders, supporting peaceful resolution of internal disagreements and “strengthening efforts toward the release and reintegration of detained pro-Biafra individuals, including the authentic leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”.

Ohanaeze added that it will not condone any action, statement, or agitation capable of rekindling insecurity, destabilizing communities, or reversing the hard-earned peace currently experienced across Igboland.