Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, has reiterated that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the legitimate leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rejecting claims of a leadership crisis within the organization and dismissing Simon Ekpa’s self-proclaimed leadership role.
The clarification came during a press conference on Saturday, where Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Vice President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, strongly criticized Ekpa’s claim to the IPOB leadership, labeling him a “content creator” with no legitimate standing in the movement. According to Okeke-Ogene, Ohaneze recognizes only Kanu, who remains the acknowledged leader of IPOB despite his incarceration.
“Simon Ekpa is unknown to us, and we have no connection with him. What we are concerned about is the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and if he is freed, he will lead us forward,” Okeke-Ogene stated, emphasizing that Kanu’s leadership is undisputed among Igbo groups. He dismissed the claims of Ekpa, suggesting that the Nigerian-born Finnish resident should pursue a career in Nollywood, where he could entertain rather than divide the Igbo community.
Addressing rumors of disarray within Ohaneze Ndi Igbo since the death of its former President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Okeke-Ogene assured that there is no leadership vacuum within the group. He confirmed that the presidency of Ohaneze would remain zoned to Imo State, to honor the arrangement that had been in place prior to Iwuanyanwu’s passing. The announcement follows increasing speculation about the future leadership of the organization.
“Imo State is next in line to produce the president of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, and we expect that the state will complete its slot,” Okeke-Ogene said. He acknowledged the loss of Iwuanyanwu as a major blow to the group, but assured that the institution is intact, focused on its mission, and united in its leadership.
In addition to addressing leadership matters, Okeke-Ogene called for stronger collaboration among Southeast governors to bolster security efforts in the region. He stressed the importance of collective action in combating crime and ensuring sustainable peace, which remains a priority for the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo leadership.
As the debate over IPOB leadership continues to generate tension, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo’s statement serves as a reminder of the organization’s commitment to unity and its recognition of Nnamdi Kanu as the rightful leader of the pro-Biafra movement.
