•Obi Achebe and Nnamdi Kanu
The traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Achebe, has dismissed reports linking his name with a planned protest over the incarcerated leader of indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The revered monarch described it as social media rant, adding that people should desist from using his name for such purposes, reports The Nation.
Social media reports had claimed the traditional ruler directed Igbo youths to prepare for a massive demonstration in Abuja on March 21, 2025 in support of Kanu’s court appearance.
However, the monarch debunked the alleged report in a statement in Awka today by his Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Anionwu,( Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha)
He urged the public to disregard the information, saying ‘it is false and unfounded’
The statement reads: “The Palace of the Obi of Onitsha (Ime Obi Onicha) has been made aware of a false social media report claiming that the Obi of Onitsha has directed Igbo youths to prepare for a massive demonstration in Abuja on March 21, 2025, in support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s court appearance.
“The report also falsely states that His Majesty will personally lead the demonstration.
“We wish to categorically deny this report. The Obi of Onitsha did not issue any such directive or statement.
“His Majesty is currently in New York City, USA, participating in the United Nations Conference on the Status of Women (CSW69) and will not return to Nigeria until March 26.
“The Joint Body of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Reconciliation, led by the Obi of Onitsha, remains committed to advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“However, we urge the public to disregard the false report and rely on official channels for accurate information.”
