‘Our Supreme Leader Is Not Nnamdi Kanu’ — MASSOB Speaks On IPOB Crisis

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has weighed in on the growing leadership crisis within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling for peace and unity among members of the separatist group.

The group expressed concern over the escalating internal dispute in IPOB, warning that the ongoing conflict could weaken the broader struggle for Biafra’s self-determination.

In a statement issued by MASSOB’s spokesperson, Edeson Samuel, and made available through the leadership of Uchenna Madu, the group urged IPOB leaders to immediately end hostilities and focus on the common goal of the Biafra movement.

The call follows the recent leadership crisis in IPOB involving the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the Directorate of State led by Chika Edoziem.

The crisis deepened after Kanu was reportedly suspended by IPOB’s Directorate of State. In a swift response, Kanu also announced the suspension of Edoziem, creating fresh tension within the movement and sparking widespread reactions among pro-Biafra supporters.

Reacting to the development, MASSOB said the public exchange of accusations and counter-accusations between IPOB leaders was damaging to the Biafra cause.

According to the group, the current internal crisis is unhealthy and could negatively affect the image and credibility of the struggle.

“Your attacks and counterattacks, allegations and counterallegations, are not useful or healthy to the self-determination struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration.

“IPOB like MASSOB is a big household name and service to the people of Biafra. Stop insulting and defacing its name.

MASSOB calls for peace and Biafran understanding in the leadership of IPOB as a big family; sheathe your sword and work for peaceful resolution of all internal rancour.”

MASSOB also used the opportunity to address claims surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s position in the Biafra struggle, insisting that he was never officially given the title of “Supreme Leader.”

The group firmly stated that such a title does not exist in Biafraland and should not be associated with any individual.

“MASSOB wishes to reiterate our position on the leadership of the Biafra nation.

There is no official leadership title or attribute called ‘Supreme Leader’ in Biafraland.

“The leadership title called ‘Supreme’ is an attribute that belongs to God Almighty only.

Any attempt or connivance or consenting to assume the Supreme leadership title is a direct challenge to God Almighty.”

MASSOB further recalled that pro-Biafra groups under the Biafra People National Council (BPNC) had in 2017 acknowledged Nnamdi Kanu as a major figure in the Biafra struggle, but clarified that such recognition did not amount to crowning him as supreme leader.

“It will be recalled that on 29th June 2017, pro-Biafra organizations under the umbrella of the Biafra People National Council (BPNC), which MASSOB was involved in, declared Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the arrowhead of the Biafra struggle. We did not crown him supreme leader.”