By Jude Atupulazi
The traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, has distanced himself from a news report linking him with calling for a protest for detained leader of pro-Biafra group, Nnamdi Kanu.
A statement from the palace of the Onitsha monarch made available to Fides, dismissed as false, a social media report claiming that the monarch directed Igbo Youths to stage a massive demonstration in Abuja on March 21, 2025, in support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s court appearance.
The statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff to the Obi of Onitsha, said the report was entirely fabricated and should be disregarded.
The statement noted that the Obi of Onitsha was currently attending the United Nations Conference on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York City, USA, and would not return to Nigeria until March 26.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Joint Body of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Reconciliation, led by the Obi of Onitsha, to advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the palace urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.
The statement read, ”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 South East 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.”
