The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly criticized the continued incarceration of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, declaring that his detention amounts to placing the entire Igbo people behind bars.
The organisation made this position clear during the grand finale of the 2025 World Igbo Day celebrations held in Awka, Anambra State.
The President-General of Ohanaeze, Senator John Azuta Mbatta, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, stressed that Kanu’s freedom was indispensable for national reconciliation and Nigeria’s long-term stability.
“The earlier Kanu is released, the better for everyone, in the spirit of healing and as part of Nigeria’s journey toward unity and progress,” Mbatta said.
He further argued that Kanu’s struggle for self-determination was “constitutional, lawful, and legitimate.”
He explained that the World Igbo Day was dedicated to remembering victims of historic massacres of Igbo people in Northern Nigeria, while also honoring those who paid the ultimate price in defending the dignity of the South-East.
Joining the call, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, underscored the urgency of Kanu’s release.
According to him, the absence of the IPoB leader has left the Igbo nation divided, making it difficult to forge a common agenda.
“We need Kanu to return so that Ndigbo can sit together, deliberate, and take a collective decision—whether it is secession or otherwise. We must speak with one voice in shaping our destiny in Nigeria,” Soludo declared.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by his Special Assistant, renewed his push for the creation of Anioma State.
He argued that this would raise the number of South-East states to seven, thereby bringing the region in line with other leading ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The event also witnessed the conferment of the traditional title, Oku Nanye Ife (The Light That Gives Light), on Governor Soludo by Ohanaeze Worldwide.
The honor was bestowed by Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council and monarch of Obosi Kingdom, in recognition of Soludo’s role in hosting the celebrations.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Igwe Bennett Emeka of Umueri, Igwe Chuma Agbala of Uke, and Eze Kingsley Akobundu Nwogu of Oyigbo in Rivers State. Notably, Igbo women leader Iyom Josephine Anenih commended the leadership of Ohanaeze for what she described as its “boldness and maturity in steering the affairs of the Igbo nation.”
