The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to individuals and media outlets associating Finland-based Simon Ekpa with the group, labeling him a “content creator” and distancing itself from his actions.
In a statement released on Sunday by Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, the group reiterated that it has no connection with Ekpa, his faction, or the so-called Biafran Government in Exile.
“We warn those media houses attaching the content creator [Simon Ekpa] to IPOB to please stop doing such. They are not IPOB members and can never be,” said Emma Powerful.
The statement emphasized that IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is focused solely on achieving self-determination for the Biafran people through a United Nations-supervised referendum.
‘Ekpa Is Not IPOB’
Simon Ekpa, who has often been linked to IPOB by sections of the media, has been described by the group as heading a splinter faction called the “Autopilots.” IPOB categorically denied any relationship with him, stating that his faction does not align with its structure or mission.
“Simon Ekpa is a self-confessed content creator and the head of a group of social media content creators known as Autopilots, which were never part of the IPOB structure,” the statement read.
Emma Powerful criticized media houses for perpetuating the link between Ekpa and IPOB, accusing them of irresponsibility and a lack of proper research.
“Why the persistence in attaching somebody who declared publicly that he is not a member of IPOB to the peaceful movement?” he asked.
IPOB’s Mission Remains Clear
Emma Powerful reaffirmed that IPOB’s sole focus is achieving independence for Biafra through legitimate and peaceful means.
“IPOB’s pursuit of self-determination through the instrumentality of a UN-supervised referendum is our only stated mission,” he declared.
He urged the public to disregard any claims by Simon Ekpa or his associates, insisting that their actions do not represent IPOB’s ideology or strategy.
“Any entity or media house attaching or forcibly ascribing IPOB membership to nonentities or whomever they like are only being mischievous and not interested in true journalism,” Powerful added.
A Call for Responsible Reporting
The IPOB spokesperson called on journalists to verify their sources and avoid spreading misinformation.
“We suggest that these individuals associating content creators to IPOB conduct minor research into the speech and publicly stated utterances of these clueless and uninformed individuals masquerading as Autopilots,” he said.
According to IPOB, failing to do so undermines the integrity of journalism and gives a platform to what the group described as “mischievous actors.”
Biafran Government in Exile Denounced
Emma Powerful also dismissed the legitimacy of the Biafran Government in Exile, which includes individuals claiming leadership positions in the movement for Biafran independence.
The group clarified that such entities have no affiliation with IPOB and do not represent its mission or leadership.
“IPOB and its leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are different people, not members of the government in exile,” the statement asserted.
Kanu Remains Central to IPOB’s Leadership
Despite ongoing legal battles and detainment, IPOB reaffirmed its allegiance to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as its leader.
The group dismissed suggestions that splinter factions like Ekpa’s could challenge Kanu’s leadership or tarnish IPOB’s reputation.
“Any self-serving on these individuals to keep tagging a content creator to the noble IPOB family will soon be defeated,” Emma Powerful concluded.
A Controversial Figure
Simon Ekpa has drawn criticism for his divisive rhetoric and actions, which some argue have undermined the broader Biafran cause.
His controversial statements and methods have led to growing tensions among pro-Biafra groups, with IPOB consistently distancing itself from his activities.
