Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has firmly dismissed claims that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been suspended as leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reaffirming its recognition of him as the group’s leader and warning against actions capable of disrupting the growing peace in the South-East.
The clarification followed recent leadership changes within IPOB, after Kanu dissolved the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS), headed by Chika Edoziem, and appointed Chris Nwaogu to lead the 4th Administration. In response, Edoziem announced Kanu’s suspension as IPOB leader, a move that sparked reactions across Igboland and among members of the diaspora.
In a statement signed by Deputy President General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Assistant Deputy Secretary General Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said the tension and confusion generated by the development made it necessary to set the record straight.
The apex Igbo sociocultural body stated that the purported suspension lacks legitimacy and is not recognized within its institutional framework. It maintained that claims by aggrieved individuals or factions cannot alter established recognitions or ongoing engagements involving Kanu.
According to Ohanaeze, Nnamdi Kanu remains a central and widely acknowledged leadership figure within IPOB, stressing that internal disagreements should not be allowed to overshadow broader efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability across the South-East.
The organization expressed concern that divisions within IPOB could threaten the fragile peace that has gradually returned to the region over the past eleven months. It noted that communities have witnessed renewed agricultural activities, the revival of cultural festivals and traditional gatherings, increased commercial engagements, and growing investor confidence.
Ohanaeze warned that these gains remain delicate and could be undermined by avoidable disputes and inflammatory rhetoric. It therefore urged aggrieved members of IPOB and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue, restraint and peaceful reconciliation in resolving internal disagreements.
Reaffirming its commitment to Igbo unity and peaceful engagement, Ohanaeze said it would continue to support dialogue initiatives and efforts aimed at securing the release and reintegration of detained pro-Biafra figures, including what it described as the authentic leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group further stressed that it would not support any action or statement capable of reigniting insecurity, destabilizing communities, or reversing the hard-earned peace currently being enjoyed across Igboland.
