Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as both unjust and unacceptable.

This demand formed part of a communique issued at the end of a two-day leadership retreat held from June 4 to 5, 2025, at the Landmark – Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu.

The communique, signed by the President General, Senator Azuta Mbata; Deputy President General and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, strongly condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention despite a previous acquittal by a competent court of law.

“The house unequivocally condemned in strong terms the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, whom before now has been acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the communique read. “It was resolved that the Federal Government should find an alternative solution to his matter and release him.”

The retreat, with the theme “Rebuilding Our Foundation,” was chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and formally declared open by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.

Attendees included prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders from the academic, religious, and traditional institutions, as well as representatives of the organised private sector, youth and women groups, town unions, and members of the diaspora.

Beyond the call for Kanu’s release, the retreat emphasized the need to revive core Igbo values, including Igwebuike (strength in unity), Onye aghala nwanne ya (leave no one behind), and Ako bu ije (wisdom is key to progress). Participants also advocated for increased investments in Igbo land as a strategic move toward economic revitalisation.

In furtherance of cultural preservation, the meeting backed the ongoing Professorial Endowment Chair initiative in seven universities across the Ohanaeze states. The project aims to deepen research and education in Igbo language, culture, and history.

Ohanaeze also revealed plans to present its development programmes and a draft constitution to Imeobi, the organisation’s highest decision-making body, in the near future.