The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in Anambra, cautioning against any attempt to tamper with the prestigious Ikemba Nnewi title bestowed upon the late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
In a statement released on Thursday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, expressed concern over alleged plans by the heir of Eze Igwe Orizu of Nnewi and certain cabinet members to sell the title to a politician within the kingdom.
The group emphatically asserted that the Ikemba Nnewi title is inherently linked to Dim Ojukwu, whether he is alive or deceased, and insisted that any endeavor to transfer it to another individual, especially a political figure, would be vehemently opposed.
IPOB underscored that the title represents Ojukwu’s enduring legacy and should not be entangled with personal political aspirations.
The statement conveyed a message to those implicated in the purported plot, admonishing them to abandon such intentions. It emphasized Ojukwu’s commitment to representing the people over individual political interests during his lifetime.
IPOB further alerted the Igwe Orizu about the clandestine plans, urging vigilance on his part.
The global movement, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressed that the Ikemba Nnewi title is an exclusive recognition of Ojukwu’s significant contributions to the Biafran nation. The warning concluded by cautioning that anyone seeking to acquire the title would be positioning themselves in opposition to IPOB and the broader Igbo community, declaring that the title is irrevocably linked to the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and him alone.
IMAGE: Britainica
