IPOB Reshuffles Leadership, Names New DoS Head

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the dissolution of its Directorate of State (DOS) administration and the appointment of a new leadership team.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group said its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, approved the dissolution of the third administration of the Directorate of State and inaugurated a fourth administration headed by U.S.-based Chris Nwaọgụ.

According to the statement, Nwaọgụ will assume immediate responsibility for the administration, coordination and day-to-day management of IPOB affairs under Kanu’s authority.

The group said the Directorate of State, established in 2012 as IPOB’s administrative arm, had previously been headed by Justin Akujieze, Uchenna Asiegbu and Chika Edoziem.

Explaining the decision, IPOB stated: “The dissolution of the 3rd Administration is ultimately not an act of vengeance but an act of organisational renewal.”

The group attributed the leadership change to what it described as shortcomings in the outgoing administration’s handling of welfare issues affecting detained members, internal disputes, communication challenges and organisational management.

It said the move was aimed at providing “new energy, renewed discipline, strategic focus, and a leadership structure fully aligned with the vision, directives and priorities” of Kanu.

IPOB also announced the establishment of an Elders Advisory Council, which it said would guide both Kanu and the newly constituted Directorate of State.

Among those appointed into the new administration are Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head of the Directorate of State, Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.

The group directed its coordinators, officers and members worldwide to recognise and cooperate with the new administration. It also announced the reinstatement of officers previously suspended or expelled, pending further administrative review.

Kanu, who remains in detention in Nigeria and is facing terrorism-related charges before the court, has consistently denied wrongdoing.

IPOB, which seeks the creation of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East region, was proscribed by the Federal Government in 2017 after a court declared it a terrorist organisation. The group has continued to reject the designation.