The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed the reported suspension and expulsion of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the faction led by Chika Edoziem, describing the action as unconstitutional, invalid, and without legal standing.
In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group maintained that Edoziem and members of the dissolved third Directorate of State (DOS) administration no longer hold any authority within the organisation, having been removed from office before announcing the suspension.
IPOB stated that Kanu, exercising powers granted to him under the movement’s Code of Conduct, recently dissolved the third DOS administration headed by Edoziem and appointed a new leadership team, the fourth DOS administration, led by Chris Nwaọgụ.
According to the group, any decisions or declarations made by Edoziem and his associates after their removal are invalid, as they no longer occupy recognised positions within the organisation.
The statement stressed that only the office of the Supreme Leader has the constitutional authority to appoint, suspend, dismiss, or dissolve principal officers and administrative structures within IPOB. It argued that the purported suspension of Kanu was therefore legally impossible under the group’s governing laws.
IPOB described the move against Kanu as “foolish, delusional, and a legal impossibility,” accusing the dissolved leadership of insubordination, abuse of office, constitutional misconduct, and attempting to usurp powers beyond their mandate.
The group further directed its members worldwide to ignore all statements, directives, appointments, suspensions, and administrative actions issued by Edoziem and members of the dissolved administration, insisting such communications have no legal or organisational effect within IPOB.
IPOB also urged media organisations to verify information carefully and avoid presenting statements from individuals it no longer recognises as official representatives of the movement.