“There Is No Faction In Ohaneze Ndigbo” – IPOB,  Warns Isiguzoro

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has strongly kicked against the attempt by those it described as  “hungry  political errand boys of Abuja slave masters”  to create phantom and nebulous factions within the leadership structure of the Ohaneze Ndigbo.

This is just as it called on Igbo and South Easterners to shun all activities in connection with the celebration of June 12,Democracy Day.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, June 10, 2025, by its spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB warned that it will no longer  tolerate the denigration,and bastardization of the name of Ohaneze Ndigbo by some self serving individuals.

According to the group, there is no faction within the rank of the revered Igbo apex body. IPOB noted that the only recognized leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organization is the one led by the much respected Senator Azuta Mbata

The IPOB similarly disassociated the Igbo nation , itself ,and its leadership headed by  Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the purported  statement by one Okechukwu  Isiguzoro on behalf of Ohaneze Ndigbo regarding the history of Igbo,and the States in which they are.

The group expressed deep concern over the tendency by a secion of the country’s media to accord unmerited attention to those it termed ” sponsored clowns” masquerading as factional leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

According to IPOB ,any individuals parading themselves as factional leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo are not only insulting the Igbo nation ,but also daring it.

It, therefore, urged the general public to disregard attempts by political merchants to create non-existent factions within the Ohaneze Ndigbo.

Following is the full text of the IPOB terse statement

“We Shall No Longer Tolerate These Insulting Charades in the Name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo – IPOB”

“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the supreme leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wishes to categorically dissociate the entire Igbo nation and the Biafra freedom movement from the recent shameful utterances made by one Okechukwu Isiguzoro in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“We state for the record that Okechukwu Isiguzoro is unknown to the Igbo race as representing any recognised wing or faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Ohanaeze is not factionalised. The notion of a “factional” Ohanaeze exists only in the minds of hungry political errand boys doing the bidding of their Abuja slavemasters. These inconsequential elements neither represent the Igbo people nor speak for Ndigbo.

“It is appalling that these buffoons masquerading as leaders of a non-existent faction continue their coordinated efforts to give the impression that the Igbo race is disoriented or lacks cohesion. This is a calculated insult to our heritage and identity.

“They are also woefully ignorant of Igbo history. The recent claim that Igboland exists in only seven states of Nigeria is an outrageous falsehood. Igbo-speaking people are indigenous to 13 states of this British-created contraption called Nigeria. Any attempt to shrink our ancestral footprint is an unforgivable betrayal.

“Let it be known that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is currently led by Senator Emmanuel Mbatta, and that remains the only recognised and respected leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body. Any individual parading himself as a “factional” leader is not only insulting the Igbo nation, but also daring IPOB with such impunity.

“We are equally disappointed with sections of the Nigerian media that give oxygen to these Abuja-sponsored clowns. The same media that would not dare suggest a “faction” in Afenifere or the Arewa Consultative Forum are quick to publish garbage intended to diminish Ohanaeze. We say to these media houses: any brown envelope you collect to publish such drivel will haunt you.

“IPOB is a proud promoter of free speech, but let everyone make their comments in their personal capacity or through their own platforms. Dragging the name of Ohanaeze into every sponsored narrative is cowardly, fraudulent, and unacceptable.

“We also wish to clarify, once again, that Ohanaeze Ndigbo—whether we agree with them or not—remains the apex body of Ndigbo. IPOB reserves the right to criticise Ohanaeze when they err, but we do not presume to represent them, nor should any other impostor.

“Finally, we call on all Biafrans to ignore any call for participation in June 12-related events. Until Nigeria learns to respect and honour May 30th—our sacred Biafran Remembrance Day—we shall not partake in their selective history or skewed national rituals.

“This is not just about IPOB. This is about our dignity, our truth, and our right to define who we are.

“COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB”