By Okey Maduforo
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has officially distanced itself from Mr. Simon Ekpa, asserting that he and his supporters are not recognized by the body.
Ohaneze reaffirmed that the legitimate leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) remains Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, emphasizing that his release is critical to resolving the security challenges in the South-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing rumors of a leadership crisis within the organization following the death of its former president, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ohaneze clarified that there is no such crisis. The Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, stated that the next president of the organization would emerge from Imo State to complete the tenure allocated to the state.
Speaking to reporters in Awka on Saturday, Chief Okeke Ogene stated:
“All these so-called emergency leaders are not recognized by Ohaneze Ndigbo. We maintain contact with Nnamdi Kanu, who remains an integral part of us and an Igbo son. If he is released, he will clarify those operating under his name. IPOB is not a one-man movement, and we recognize him as the legitimate arrowhead.”
On Simon Ekpa, Chief Okeke Ogene said:
“Simon Ekpa is unknown to Ohaneze Ndigbo. His actions have severely damaged the economy of the South-East. If his vision of Biafra is what he has been promoting, no one would want to associate with such chaos. He calls himself a content creator, so we advise him to pursue a career in Nollywood.”
Addressing the alleged leadership crisis in Ohaneze, Chief Okeke Ogene clarified:
“The leadership structure of Ohaneze Ndigbo is guided by a constitution. Leadership positions are zoned to states, not individuals. The position of president is currently zoned to Imo State, and we are awaiting the Imo State Chapter to elect or appoint a replacement for the Ime-Obi to approve.”
He further appealed for calm among stakeholders and urged the Federal Government to expedite Nnamdi Kanu’s release, stating:
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is exacerbating security issues in the South-East. His release will significantly enhance peace and stability, which are necessary for socio-economic development.”
Chief Okeke Ogene also called on South-East governors to collaborate on implementing robust security measures to combat crime effectively.
Reassuring Ndigbo, he concluded:
“Ohaneze Ndigbo remains steadfast in protecting and promoting the collective interests of Ndigbo.”
