From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has maintained that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s claim of the Igbanke community in Edo State, having their origin from Igbo land has finally been justified.
The community, in a recent newspaper publication and in social media, has asserted that they’re from the South East zone of the country.
IPOB’s Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement, yesterday, has commended the courage of the people of the community for tracing their roots.
His statement read in parts: “We, the respected global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) around the world, commend the Igbanke nation for their bravery and determination to reclaim and assert their Igbo identity.
“IPOB media and our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have consistently acknowledged and confirmed the historic Igbanke nation as Igbo, despite all the refusals.
“Ndigbo ought to appreciate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for helping us understand our identity, and for exploring the troubling history of Igbo division and the indoctrination of certain Igbo communities placed in areas beyond the Southeast region, which led them to reject their Igbo heritage.
“It is claimed that conscience is a sore that only time can mend. Furthermore, only the truth is everlasting. We are pleased that, at last, the historic Igbo community of Igbanke, located in Edo State, has confidently asserted their Igbo identity.
“All the photographers of Igbanke claiming that Igbanke came from the Benin kingdom are gone and forgotten. Similarly, we encourage other Igbo communities in Benue, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers to confidently affirm their genuine Igbo identity.
“Regardless of how much effort you put into fitting in with your unnatural neighbours, they will still recognise you and treat you as an outsider. Rejecting your Igbo identity will not bring you any benefits. Instead, it will jeopardise your future generations,” Powerful stated.
Meanwhile, IPOB has urged the Igbo apex organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo to likewise encourage the Ohaneze to connect with the Igbanke individuals and give them their rightful position in their organisation.
He also added that Ohaneze Ndigbo ought to serve as a unifying centre for Ndigbo, stressing that their role is to guarantee that Ndigbo across all regions of Nigeria and abroad unite for a shared goal.
Powerful continued: “IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have done an excellent job of bringing to light certain overlooked aspects of Ndigbo, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and other Igbo socio-cultural organisations. That will assist certain Ndigbo who are uncertain about their Igbo identity to learn their history. It is often stated that those unaware of their past are adrift.
“In a unique manner, IPOB and other devoted Ndigbo praise those who have committed themselves to the mission of unifying Ndigbo. Their endeavours have liberated our Igbanke community from the skewed narrative of Benin ancestry.
“Today, the honourable citizens of Igbanke have restored and confirmed their Igbo identity. We commend the Igbo unity revolutionaries as well as the Igbanke leaders and royal fathers for creating a legacy which future generations will take pride in. The authentic natives of Benin are aware that Igbanke do not belong to their lineage. Forcing Igbanke to be classified as Bini people reflects a lack of historical awareness.
“Ndigbo wholeheartedly support the Igbanke people and will likewise back other Igbo located in different regions of Nigeria whenever they openly declare their Igbo identity. Ndigbo unite as one. The commitment to unite all the children of Chukwu Okike Abiama dispersed globally is gaining traction. This sacred procession of uniting the dispersed children of Chukwu Okike Abiama for His divine intention must be fulfilled,” Powerful said.
In another development, Powerful has reminded its members that April 29, 2025 marks another day for its leader’s court case in Abuja and, therefore, anticipated their members and supporters to come out to support him.
“We acknowledge that the Nigerian court discharged and acquitted him, instructing that no other court in Nigeria should prosecute him again. However, the Nigerian government has chosen to ignore its court’s order. Our people must provide our leader the solidarity and backing he rightfully deserves,” Powerful said.