The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Federal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, calling his continued detention “unjust and unacceptable.”
This appeal was part of a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leadership Retreat, held from June 4 to 5, 2025, at the Landmark – Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the President General of Ohanaeze, Senator Azuta Mbata; his deputy and chairman of the planning committee, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu.
Themed “Rebuilding Our Foundation,” the two-day retreat brought together prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders from various sectors including academia, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector, youth and women groups, town unions, and the diaspora.
The event was chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and was formally declared open by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.
In its resolutions, the retreat “unequivocally condemned in strong terms, the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, whom before now has been acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction.” It further urged the Federal Government to “find an alternative solution to his matter and release him.”
Participants at the retreat also focused on themes of unity, economic revitalisation through local investments, and a cultural renaissance anchored in traditional Igbo values such as Igwebuike (strength in unity), Onye aghala nwanne ya (leave no one behind), and Ako bu ije (wisdom is key to progress).
Additionally, the group resolved to support a Professorial Endowment Chair in seven universities across Ohanaeze states, aimed at promoting research in Igbo language, history, and culture.
Ohanaeze further announced plans to present its strategic programmes and a draft constitution to the Imeobi, its highest decision-making body, at a future date.
