19/06/2026
OHACRACY: OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE
OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT
NDIGBO AFFIRMS CONTINUED RECOGNITION OF MAZI NNAMDI KANU AS IPOB’S CENTRAL LEADERSHIP FIGURE, DISMISSES PURPORTED SUSPENSION AS INVALID AND MISLEADING
DATE: 19TH JUNE 2026
The Apex Sociocultural Organisation of Ndigbo Worldwide, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has taken due cognisance of recent reports and circulating claims regarding an alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from his recognised leadership standing within the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The organisation notes with concern the misinformation, tension, and apprehension generated by such reports across communities within Igboland and the diaspora, necessitating this clear and authoritative clarification.
ON THE PURPORTED SUSPENSION
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 neither recognised nor validated, and it holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.
The claims attributed to certain individuals or aggrieved members, including Chika 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).
COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND STABILITY IN IGBOLAND
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expresses deep concern that internal disagreements within any organised structure have the potential to destabilise the fragile peace currently being enjoyed across the Southeast region.
For nearly eleven 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
Increased confidence from local and external investors
These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives.
APPEAL FOR RESTRAINT AND RESPONSIBLE ENGAGEMENT
The organisation strongly urges all stakeholders, particularly aggrieved members within Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to exercise restraint, maturity, and responsibility in handling internal matters.
Ohanaeze emphasises that:
Dialogue remains the most viable and sustainable pathway to conflict resolution
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
ON ONGOING PEACE AND DIALOGUE EFFORTS
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reiterates its continuous commitment to back-channel engagements and broader dialogue initiatives aimed at:
Promoting unity among Igbo stakeholders
Supporting peaceful resolution of internal disagreements
Strengthening efforts toward the release and reintegration of detained pro-Biafra individuals, including the authentic leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
The organisation underscores that ongoing divisions, if left unresolved, may jeopardise these delicate and strategic processes.
FINAL POSITION
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reaffirms that peace, unity, and collective responsibility remain the cornerstone of Igbo progress.
The organisation will not condone any action, statement, or agitation capable of rekindling insecurity, destabilising communities, or reversing the hard-earned peace currently experienced across Igboland.
All stakeholders are therefore urged to act with wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to unity and stability.
SIGNED
MAZI OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO
Deputy President-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
PROF. CHIBUIKEYA ACHOAKAWA
Deputy Secretary-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
