The Obi of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Achebe, has dismissed recent reports circulating on social media that linked him to a planned protest in support of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The monarch has vehemently rejected the claims, calling them false and a result of social media rumors.
The reports had alleged that the Obi of Onitsha had directed Igbo youths to prepare for a large-scale demonstration in Abuja on March 21, 2025, to support Kanu’s court appearance. The false reports even claimed that Obi Achebe would personally lead the demonstration. However, in a statement released on Thursday in Awka, Chief Osita Anionwu, the Obi’s Chief of Staff, addressed the public and set the record straight.
According to the statement, the Obi of Onitsha has not issued any such directive for a protest. “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 statement read.
It went on to clarify that the Obi of Onitsha was currently in New York City, USA, attending the United Nations Conference on the Status of Women (CSW69) and would not be returning to Nigeria until March 26. As such, the idea that he would be leading a protest or making any such public statement was entirely unfounded.
“The report also falsely states that His Majesty will personally lead the demonstration,” the statement continued. “We wish to categorically deny this report. The Obi of Onitsha did not issue any such directive or statement.”
The statement further emphasized that while Obi Alfred Achebe and other traditional rulers in the Southeast region remain committed to advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, they are focused on peace and reconciliation efforts and will not engage in any actions that may disturb the public order or mislead the people.
The Obi of Onitsha’s palace is a revered institution within the Igbo community, and Obi Achebe is widely respected for his leadership and role in various social and political matters. His words carry significant weight, and so any false report linked to his name is taken seriously.
The growing support for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been a source of tension in Nigeria. Kanu has been in detention for years, facing charges of treason and other offenses related to his calls for the secession of the southeastern region, a movement that has drawn both support and controversy across the country.
While Obi Achebe has consistently voiced his support for the peaceful release of Kanu, particularly through dialogues and official channels, he has not aligned himself with any form of violence or unlawful protest. This stands in contrast to the claims made by those behind the false reports.
It’s important to note that the Obi of Onitsha has been an active part of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, a group that works on peace-building efforts in the region. Additionally, he also works closely with religious leaders, such as Archbishops and Bishops, in promoting reconciliation within the Igbo community. This collective body has been particularly vocal in their calls for the peaceful release of Nnamdi Kanu and the resolution of the ongoing conflict between IPOB and the Nigerian government.
The Obi’s palace has urged the public to disregard any misinformation circulating on social media and to rely on official channels for accurate updates regarding the Obi’s position and actions. The statement also urged that the people of Onitsha and the broader southeastern region remain calm and peaceful, especially as sensitive matters related to Nnamdi Kanu’s legal case continue to unfold.
Social media rumors have become an increasingly common tool for spreading misinformation in Nigeria, and the Obi of Onitsha’s rejection of the claims underscores the importance of checking facts before making any assumptions or taking action based on unverified sources.
In the lead-up to Kanu’s court appearances, there is often a surge in public interest and activism, particularly among those who support the IPOB cause. While peaceful protests have been a feature of this movement, it is critical that all parties involved engage in peaceful means of advocacy, respecting the rule of law and the need for dialogue over violence.
The false reports regarding Obi Achebe’s supposed involvement in the protest are also a reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s traditional institutions, as they are sometimes targeted by individuals or groups with agendas of their own. Traditional rulers like Obi Achebe hold significant sway within their communities, and their influence can be crucial in shaping public opinion, especially on contentious issues.
As Obi Achebe continues his participation in the United Nations Conference on the Status of Women, it is clear that his focus remains on global advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. He will return to Nigeria shortly, where his position on national and regional issues will continue to carry weight.
