IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa’s ‘Biafra Govt in Exile’
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dissociated itself from the so-called “Biafra Government in Exile,” describing it as a fraudulent project led by a “Helsinki-based impostor” lacking legitimacy, discipline, and ideological clarity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB warned that forming any government without the mandate of the Biafran people undermines the non-violent principles championed by its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The attention of IPOB under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been drawn to an utterly deranged and disgraceful narrative gaining traction among the intellectually bankrupt,” the group stated.
It described those promoting the government in exile as cowards hiding abroad and accused them of seeking to compare themselves to Mazi Kanu.
“Let it be known to all that IPOB has nothing to do with the so-called ‘Biafra Government in Exile.’ We do not endorse, recognise or support it. We are not part of that criminal syndicate. We do not kill, extort, or run rackets in the name of Biafra,” the statement read.
Emma Powerful also highlighted directives which he said Kanu had publicly forbidden—such as forming a Biafran government in exile, establishing an army, printing Biafran currency, or issuing passports and identity cards.
“No Biafran should form a government in exile. No Biafran should form an army or armed group. No Biafran currency should be printed or sold. No Biafra identity card should be created. No Biafran passport should be printed or circulated,” he warned.
The group ridiculed the idea of declaring a government “in a barbing salon in Helsinki,” calling it a mockery of the Biafran struggle.
IPOB reaffirmed that despite being subjected to extraordinary rendition, solitary confinement, and torture, Kanu remains steadfast and unbroken in his resolve for justice.
“The inability of the Nigerian government to sustain any legitimate charge against our leader, despite multiple amendments and desperate media propaganda, is proof that we have a genuine and legitimate cause,” the group stated.
It stressed that Biafra is a serious liberation struggle and not a tool for social media popularity or financial scams.
“Biafra is not a fantasy. It is not a YouTube show. It is not a plaything for criminals and cowards who find joy in extorting their own people. Biafra is not a hustle. Biafra is not for cowards. Biafra is not content for clicks,” IPOB concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
