The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu, and his heir against tampering with the title “Ikemba Nnewi”, which is associated to the late Biafra warlord, Odumegu Ojukwu.
The pro-Biafra group declared that the title belongs to the late Biafra leader.
IPOB warned Orizu that anybody who attempts to buy the title is setting himself up against the group.
Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, claimed that Igwe Orizu’s heir was planning to secure the title to give legitimacy to his governorship campaign bid.
Parts of a statement released by Powerful read: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi KANU has been drawn to the secret plans by the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu’s heir and some in his cabinet to sell the “Ikemba Nnewi” title that was given to our eternal leader, late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to some politician in his kingdom.
“We are reliably informed that the moneybag politician plans to use the “Ikemba Nnewi” title in an attempt to secure some legitimacy for his upcoming gubernatorial bid.
“Our eternal leader’s title should be left out of his political plans. In life, Ojukwu made his stance clear. Ojukwu represents the people and not the personal ambitions of any individual.
“IPOB is by way of this message, also alerting the good Igwe Orizu of the secret plans that are being hatched behind his back.
“IPOB is warning those involved to desist from that plan, because the “Ikemba Nnewi” title exclusively belongs to our eternal leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu whether dead or alive, because of his enormous contributions to Biafra Nation.
“The title should strictly belong to him. Nobody has the right to tamper with such an important title to such an important person to Alaigbo and our history. Anybody who intends to buy that title is setting himself up against IPOB and Ndigbo in general. Nobody in Nnewi or any part of Alaigbo is allowed to be conferred with the title of “Ikemba Nnewi.” That title belongs to the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and to him alone.
“HRM Igwe Orizu of Nnewi should stop those planning the sale of the “Ikemba Nnewi” title to anyone or those responsible will have IPOB to contend with. We shall never be kind to the sellers or buyer of the chieftaincy title belonging to our eternal leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“Igwe Nnewi and his cabinet should look for other titles to confer to the moneybag carrying politician but must not tamper with the “Ikemba Nnewi” title.”
