The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), urging the group to maintain neutrality and desist from meddling in the affairs of the body.
Describing IPOB’s recent actions as “unwarranted interference”, Ohanaeze stated that the group’s encroachment into its operations is not only troubling but entirely unacceptable and deserving of firm condemnation.
In a strongly worded joint statement released on Tuesday by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President-General, and Thompson Ohia, the group’s spokesperson, Ohanaeze accused IPOB of being misled by individuals who are allegedly benefitting from the continued incarceration of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is disheartening to see IPOB defending those complicit in Kanu’s detention,” the statement read. “Certain elements within the group have become entangled in alliances that undermine our collective fight for justice.”
Ohanaeze further condemned IPOB’s perceived alignment with Igbo political figures who, it claims, are exploiting Kanu for their personal agendas. These same individuals, Ohanaeze alleged, were involved in violence against IPOB members—yet are now being openly supported by the group.
“This contradiction weakens our united front and jeopardizes our common vision of justice and equity,” the statement emphasized.
The organization also accused unnamed individuals of manipulating IPOB to blackmail Ohanaeze’s leadership. It said it would not be drawn into public spats with IPOB, warning that continued attacks on Ohanaeze would only derail the broader Igbo cause.
“We urge IPOB to carefully reconsider its current path. The very people they now defend are not champions of Kanu’s freedom but opportunists more interested in media appearances than genuine advocacy,” Ohanaeze added.
The group decried the increasing violence against Igbo youths who are wrongly labeled as IPOB terrorists—a situation it believes is fueled by these misguided alliances.
Calling for unity, Ohanaeze appealed to IPOB and other Igbo stakeholders to redirect their energy toward confronting shared adversaries, rather than sowing internal discord.
“Now more than ever, we must pursue a future defined by clarity of purpose, unwavering justice, and deep respect for our cultural heritage,” the statement concluded.
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