Ohanaeze demands Kanu’s release, condemns Igbo stereotyping abroad
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has renewed its demand for the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as a source of collective
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has renewed its demand for the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as a source of collective pain for the Igbo people.
Speaking at the Ime-Obi/General Assembly meeting in Enugu on Thursday, the President General of the group, John Azuta-Mbata, emphasised that “Kanu that is in jail is the entire Igboland that is there,” stressing that “there is no Igbo man that is happy that Kanu is in incarceration.”
Azuta-Mbata urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu, calling it “the minimal demand of Ndigbo,” while cautioning Igbo leaders against misrepresenting the sentiment of the people to the Federal Government. “Let our people stop deceiving the federal government on what our people want,” he said.
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The Ohanaeze leader also condemned what he described as the increasing stereotyping and targeting of Igbo people globally. “We’re not happy where Ndigbo are being hunted down all over the world. The stereotyping of our people in many countries must stop,” he stated, while urging Igbo communities in the diaspora to conduct themselves responsibly.
The renewed call underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Kanu’s detention and reflects growing concerns over the treatment of Igbo people both within Nigeria and abroad.
“At the same time, we appeal to our people to be in their best behavior wherever they find themselves," he said.
Delivering his welcome address, Azuta-Mbata described the gathering as “a testament to our resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Ndigbo,” urging stakeholders to use the opportunity for introspection and decisive action.
He emphasised the need for unity across political, economic, and social lines, noting that “our strength lies in our ability to forge a common purpose and uplift one another.”
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He further stated that the organisation would focus on critical issues such as economic development, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment, urging investment in younger generations to secure the future of Alaigbo.
“It is time to innovate and invest in our youth, the torchbearers of our culture and traditions,” he said.
On constitutional matters, Azuta-Mbata welcomed ongoing discussions around additional state creation, describing it as a positive development receiving deserved attention.
He also reiterated the importance of preserving the Igbo language and culture, calling on families and institutions to promote them actively.
The Ohanaeze President General concluded by urging leaders to be “bold, visionary, and accountable,” while calling on all delegates to embrace the guiding principles of “Think Igbo, Grow Igbo, and Work Together.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma; traditional and religious leaders, and several other Igbo leaders and delegates from across the states that make up Ohanaeze.
