The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has publicly stated that it does not recognize Simon Ekpa as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reaffirming its support for Nnamdi Kanu, the group’s legitimate leader who has been in detention.
The statement was made by Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, during a press conference where he emphasized that only Kanu, despite his current incarceration, is acknowledged as the rightful leader of IPOB.
Okeke-Ogene stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo continues to stand behind Kanu and supports efforts to secure his release. He further explained that while many individuals have emerged claiming to lead the IPOB movement, the group remains focused on Kanu’s leadership. “All these emergency leaders emerging here and there have not come to our notice,” Okeke-Ogene remarked, adding that they believe Kanu, once released, will identify his true followers, and they would work with them.
Addressing Simon Ekpa’s rise to prominence within IPOB, the Ohanaeze leader dismissed him as unknown to the group, stating, “The issue of Simon Ekpa is unknown to me and to Ohanaeze Ndigbo. What we are concerned about is the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and if he is released, it would help us in Igbo land a great deal.”
He further questioned the relevance of Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, asserting that if Ekpa’s views were truly in line with the aspirations of a peaceful Biafra, they would have been more widely accepted. “If his views represent what would bring Biafra, we know that no one would want to be part of that kind of Biafra,” Okeke-Ogene said, urging caution in considering the future of the movement.
In conclusion, the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the focus remains on Nnamdi Kanu, describing him as a consistent leader whose release is crucial to advancing the cause of the Igbo people. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to Kanu’s leadership, distancing itself from others who have sought to claim authority within the IPOB movement.
