Biafra government-in-exile disowns Kanu, declares independence from IPOB

The Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile (BRGIE) has declared that detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has no authority over its leadership or operations, deepening the divisions within the Biafra separatist movement.

The organisation’s Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, said BRGIE was an independent body and neither a component of IPOB nor subject to Kanu’s direction.

Nkere also disowned Ngozi Orabueze and other Biafra independence campaigners, saying they had no affiliation with the organisation or authority to speak on its behalf.

In a statement on Tuesday, he said BRGIE was established in 2023 following the emergence of the Autopilot movement under former Prime Minister Simon Ekpa.

According to him, Ekpa had publicly described himself as Kanu’s “spiritual son” and used the IPOB leader’s name and image alongside his own in communications promoting BRGIE.

Nkere said the representations created the impression that Kanu endorsed the organisation or occupied a leadership position in it, but BRGIE had no confirmation that the detained separatist leader authorised such claims.

He said he attempted to establish a working relationship with IPOB after assuming leadership of BRGIE by reaching out to Kanu and proposing a partnership.

“That outreach did not produce an agreement. Instead, BRGIE received a demand for its dissolution,” he said.

Nkere also cited public comments by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, concerning the IPOB leader’s non-recognition of a Biafran government, as well as the establishment of a Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Department of State.

He said the developments reinforced the distinction between the two organisations.

“BRGIE therefore makes its position clear: it is an independent organisation, is not a component of IPOB, and is not subject to the direction or control of IPOB or Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Nkere stated.

Although he acknowledged Kanu’s contributions to Biafran advocacy, the BRGIE leader said the organisation did not recognise him as its Supreme Leader or accept that he had governing, supervisory or decision-making authority over its affairs.

Nkere also announced that BRGIE would stop using Kanu’s name or image in any manner that could suggest his endorsement, affiliation or leadership.

“BRGIE will respect IPOB’s organisational independence and expects the same respect in return,” he added.

The prime minister said the organisation would pursue international recognition through its own diplomatic engagements, stressing that its leadership and governing authority rested with the current administration.

He further said any future change in Ekpa’s circumstances would not automatically affect BRGIE’s existing leadership arrangements.

“Under my leadership, BRGIE will pursue a distinct course centred on effective governance, organisational discipline, diplomatic engagement, and progress towards Biafran self-determination,” he said.