The prominent Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, in what they term as unjust and unacceptable prolonged detention.
This call was part of a statement released following a two-day leadership retreat at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, held on June 4 and 5, 2025.
The statement, endorsed by President General Senator Azuta Mbata, Vice President and Planning Committee Chair Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Secretary General Emeka Sibeudu, and National Publicity Secretary Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, was issued on Tuesday, June 10.
The retreat, themed “Restoring Our Roots,” convened notable Igbo figures from academia, traditional and religious sectors, business, community groups, youth, women’s organizations, and the diaspora.
Led by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and inaugurated by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah’s deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the gathering strongly denounced Kanu’s detention, pointing out his prior acquittal by a competent court.
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The communique pressed the government to “seek an alternative resolution and grant his release.”
The retreat highlighted the need for unity, economic growth through investments in Igbo regions, and a cultural revival anchored in principles like “Igwebuike (power in togetherness), Onye aghala nwanne ya (no one is left behind), and Ako bu ije (wisdom drives progress).”
Additionally, attendees committed to backing a Professorial Endowment Chair in seven universities across Ohanaeze states to advance studies in Igbo language, heritage, and history.
Ohanaeze also revealed plans to submit its initiatives and a draft constitution to Imeobi, its supreme decision-making organ, in the near future.