The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from the declaration of an independent “United States of Biafra” in Finland by a faction led by Simon Ekpa.
Punch reports that supporters of Simon Ekpa have declared the formation of the United States of Biafra in Finland, despite his arrest by Finnish authorities.
The announcement came during a conference held in Lahti on November 29, 2024, where Ekpa’s followers gathered to proclaim an independent Biafran state.
Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is presently in custody, facing terrorism-related charges for allegedly inciting violence in Nigeria’s South-East region through social media.
Though the declaration had initially been scheduled for December 2, the event came earlier following Ekpa’s arrest.
Ngozi Orabueze, who was appointed by Ekpa as the Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra, led the ceremony.
Orabueze, an advocate of Biafran sovereignty, announced the establishment of the new state, which she said would operate with its own currency and time zone.
Orabueze wrote, “Breaking: It is done. Biafrans in Finland for the declaration of the independent United States of Biafra. Power belongs to the people.”
She later added, “Biafra has been re-declared today, 29th of November 2024, by Ngozi Orabueze, the Chief of Staff, United States of Biafra. Congratulations to all Biafrans all over the world.”
Afterwards, Orabueze, taking the oath of office, listed the states within the newly re-declared United States of Biafra.
These included Anambra State, Okigwe State, Nnewi State, Ogoni State, Opobo State, Ikwerre State, Etche State, Okrika State, Ngwa State, Orlu State, among others.
While the declaration has stirred excitement among Biafran supporters in Finland, it has been met with skepticism and disapproval in Nigeria.
IPOB quickly distanced itself from the event, calling the declaration illegitimate.
IPOB’s spokesperson Emma Powerful labeled the declaration as unauthorized, stressing that the group has no connection to the activities in Finland, which they described as the work of individuals pursuing personal agendas.
He stated, “IPOB has no involvement in any conference. Those people (Ekpa’s faction) are criminals supporting illegal activities to destroy our land. There is no such thing as a declaration of Biafra from our side.
“Any claim that IPOB is hosting a conference is false. When IPOB decides to make such an important announcement, the whole world will know. Those making such statements are fake.”
Meanwhile, Simon Ekpa will spend Christmas in detention as the country’s legal system does not permit bail.
DOCKAYSWORLD reports that the pro-Biafran agitator will face charges in May 2025.
