The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly denied any connection to the recent proclamation of a so-called Biafra Nation in Finland, dismissing it as a fraudulent act by a disreputable and unknown group.
In a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group clarified that there can be no other declaration of Biafra beyond the one made by its founding leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, in 1967.
The statement read:
“IPOB categorically disassociates itself from the purported Biafra declaration in Finland. We commend responsible media outlets for not lending credibility to this farce orchestrated by infiltrators attempting to mock the Biafra struggle. We remind Biafrans and the international community that Biafra was officially declared in 1967 by our eternal leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“Our movement is focused on restoring the sovereignty of Biafra through peaceful and legitimate means, including our call for a UN-supervised referendum. The notion of a second declaration is both unnecessary and misleading.
“The so-called declaration in Finland is the work of elements who have previously sought to undermine IPOB’s mission. Their aim is to destabilize the South East, create division, and discredit the genuine Biafra struggle. Their actions are fraudulent and have been rightfully ignored by credible media platforms.
“IPOB remains resolute in its pursuit of Biafra’s restoration and will not be distracted by impostors or opportunists seeking to exploit the cause for personal gain. We urge Biafrans and supporters worldwide to disregard this sham declaration and stay committed to the genuine struggle for Biafra’s freedom.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, emphasizing that the Biafra cause is too important to be tainted by misinformation or acts of sabotage.