*Group Warns Members Against Defying His Authority On Appointments

APEX Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has affirmed its continued recognition of Nnamdi Kanu as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his purported suspension was null and void.

    The clarification followed the purported dissolution of the 3rd Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS), headed by Chika Edoziem, allegedly on Kanu’s authority, on Wednesday, June 17, and appointed Chris Nwaogu as the Head of the 4th Administration of the IPOB DOS, which is the administrative arm.

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

    However, in a statement on Friday, June 19, signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Deputy President General and Assistant Deputy Secretary General, respectively, Ohanaeze 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 recognised, not validated and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.

    “The claims attributed to certain individuals or aggrieved members, including 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 have the potential to destabilise the fragile peace currently being enjoyed across the Southeast, recalling that for nearly 11 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.

    According to the organisation: “These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives.”

    Ohanaeze charged all stakeholders, particularly aggrieved members within IPOB, to exercise restraint, maturity and responsibility in handling internal matters, saying dialogue remains the most viable and sustainable pathway to conflict resolution.

    It added: “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.”

    It 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.”

    The organisation said it will not condone any action, statement or agitation capable of rekindling insecurity, destabilising communities or reversing the hard-earned peace currently experienced across Igboland.

    In the same vein, IPOB has warned members against defying Kanu’s authority on appointments, threatening to take disciplinary action against members it accused of undermining his authority, amid efforts to resolve a growing leadership dispute within the organisation.

    In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB warned that any member or faction acting contrary to Kanu’s directives or the organisation’s Code of Conduct would face sanctions, including suspension, removal from office and expulsion.

    Maintaining that Kanu remains the only person vested with the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers within the organisation, IPOB added: “The era of indiscipline, constitutional recklessness and unauthorised power-grabbing within IPOB is over.

    “The authority of the Supreme Leader remains supreme, unquestionable, and binding on all members.”

    The group also declared that the third Directorate of State administration no longer exists and that any action taken by Edoziem or members of his team after their dissolution is invalid, saying: “Its tenure has been terminated by lawful authority and its powers extinguished.

    “Consequently, any directive, instruction, statement, appointment, suspension or administrative action purportedly issued by Edoziem or any member of the dissolved administration after its dissolution is null, void and incapable of creating any legal or organisational consequence within IPOB.”