The End of the IPOB’s Biafra Agitation: A Reflection
3 min read
—- by Emeka Ugwuonye
Last month, the Nnamdi Kanu/IPOB-led agitation for Biafra came to an abrupt end, ushering in a message of unity and peace for all Nigerians.
For years, I maintained my belief that many of my Igbo brothers who supported Kanu and IPOB were misguided. I kept my thoughts largely to myself, but it was clear to me that they underestimated the situation. They failed to recognize the moment Kanu renounced his quest for Biafra.
When Kanu’s lawyer, Agabi, entered the courtroom, he did the right thing. He did what his client authorized him to do – he made a move that marked the death of the Biafra aspiration. Agabi began by reading a statement authorized by Kanu, in which he apologized for Kanu’s past behavior and expressed a desire for peace and unity among all Nigerians. Perhaps Kanu’s followers missed the significance of Agabi’s address to the court, or they simply didn’t understand it, but the message was loud and clear—Kanu opted for unity and an end to hostility towards non-Biafrans.
The shift was swift. Once Agabi read his statement and Kanu nodded in agreement, it was evident that a pivotal change had taken place. It echoed the moment when Ojukwu returned from exile and dedicated his life to keeping Nigeria united, renouncing the idea of a sovereign Biafra. Similarly, Kanu subtly renounced his quest for Biafra. But he did it through his lawyer.
I anticipated reactions from those who vehemently insisted this wouldn’t happen, yet there was silence. Perhaps they were expecting a dramatic public ceremony where Kanu would announce the end of his agitation. Instead, it occurred quietly and swiftly—yet it is over.
Since Agabi took over, have you noticed any more statements directed at Umuchineke? No more rhetorical jamboree from Ifeanyi Ejiofor or even from Kanu’s family. There haven’t been any cries for Kanu’s release from Ohaneze or any Igbo governor. There’s no longer a need for those pleas; he has renounced his agitation, and resolution will soon follow.
But what a heavy toll it has taken! What about the lives of Igbo youths who pursued this ill-fated agitation? What of the pain and suffering borne by the Igbo as a result of a venture that reasonable minds recognized would not succeed? It reminds me of Nigerians losing money to failed schemes like MMM or Chinmark or CBEX—following a path destined for failure without realizing the truth.
The potential extradition of Simon Ekpa marks the last chapter in this unfortunate saga.
The lesson is clear: If you truly desire Biafra, you must plan for a 50-year program. It requires building strong diplomatic and ideological foundations. It can’t revolve around a single leader amassing power and wealth overnight, as Kanu once arrogantly claimed to have “the power of life and death over people.” Anyone who thinks this way cannot deliver Biafra.
A genuine movement for Biafra should be rooted in long-term vision. Otherwise, it will remain just a personal ambition, mirroring the likes of Ralph Uwazurike, Nnamdi Kanu, or Simon Ekpa.
Let’s learn from this case and strive for a more thoughtful approach to our aspirations. 💔✊
