Mathew Amaechi
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a fresh and emphatic call on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his continued incarceration is unjust and no longer tenable.
The appeal came as part of a communique released after a two-day leadership retreat held at the Landmark – Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu from June 4 to 5, 2025. The gathering, themed “Rebuilding Our Foundation,” brought together high-ranking Igbo leaders, traditional rulers, intellectuals, religious figures, representatives of the private sector, youth and women groups, and diaspora delegates.
The communique was jointly signed by Ohanaeze President General, Senator Azuta Mbata; Deputy and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu.
Chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and declared open by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the retreat was a strategic attempt to chart a renewed course for Igbo unity, self-determination, and regional development.
One of the key resolutions condemned “in strong terms, the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, whom before now has been acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction.” The communique urged the federal government to “find an alternative solution to his matter and release him.”
Kanu, who has remained in detention despite a ruling in his favor by the Court of Appeal in 2022, remains a lightning rod for debates around justice, federalism, and the treatment of minority groups in Nigeria.
Beyond the call for his release, the retreat highlighted broader goals including economic revitalisation of the South-East through homegrown investments, cultural rebirth, and the promotion of shared values such as Igwebuike (strength in unity), Onye aghala nwanne ya (leave no one behind), and Ako bu ije (wisdom is key to progress).
Ohanaeze also announced its endorsement of the Professorial Endowment Chair across seven universities in Igbo-speaking states. The initiative is designed to promote scholarly research in Igbo language, culture, and history.
In closing, the organisation said it would soon present its full programme and a draft constitution to Imeobi, its highest decision-making body, for ratification.
