The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) commended Igbanke Nation for their bravery and determination to reclaim and assert their Igbo identity.
According to IPOB;
IPOB media and our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have consistently acknowledged and confirmed the historic Igbanke Nation as Igbos, despite all the refusals. Ndigbo ought to appreciate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for helping us understand our identity and for exploring the troubling history of Igbo division and the indoctrination of certain Igbo communities placed in areas beyond the South East Region, which led them to reject their Igbo heritage.
It is claimed that conscience is a sore that only time can mend. Furthermore, only truth is everlasting. We are pleased that at last, the historic Igbo Community of Igbanke, located in Edo State, has confidently asserted their Igbo identity.
All the photographers of Igbanke claiming that Igbanke came from the Benin kingdom are gone and forgotten. Similarly, we encourage other Igbo Communities in Benue, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers to confidently affirm their genuine Igbo identity. Regardless of how much effort you put into fitting in with your unnatural neighbors, they will still recognize you and treat you as an outsider. Rejecting your Igbo identity will not bring you any benefits. Instead, it will jeopardize your future generations.
The Igbo proverb states, “strength lies in unity.”
IPOB is likewise encouraging the Ohaneze Ndigbo cultural organization to connect with the Igbanke individuals and give them their rightful position in their organisation. Additionally, Ohaneze Ndigbo ought to serve as a unifying center for Ndigbo. Their role is to guarantee that Ndigbo across all regions of Nigeria and abroad unite for a shared goal.
IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have done an excellent job of bringing to light. Certain overlooked aspects of Ndigbo, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and other Igbo sociocultural organizations can assist in establishing global Igbo history and cultural institutions. That will assist certain Ndigbo who are uncertain about their Igbo identity to learn their history. It is often stated that those unaware of their past are adrift.
In a unique manner, IPOB and other devoted Ndigbo praise those who have committed themselves to the mission of unifying Ndigbo. Their endeavors have liberated our Igbanke community from the skewed narrative of Benin ancestry. Today, the honorable citizens of Igbanke have restored and confirmed their Igbo identity. We commend the Igbo unity revolutionaries as well as the Igbanke leaders and Royal fathers for creating a legacy that future generations will take pride in. The authentic natives of Benin are aware that Igbanke do not belong to their lineage. Forcing Igbanke to be classified as Bini people reflects a lack of historical awareness.
Ndigbo wholeheartedly support the Igbanke people and will likewise back other Igbos located in different regions of Nigeria whenever they openly declare their Igbo identity. Ndigbo unite as one. _Igbo bụ ofu!_ The commitment to unite all the children of Chukwu Okike Abiama dispersed globally is gaining traction.
This sacred procession of uniting the dispersed children of Chukwu Okike Abiama for His divine intention must be fulfilled. God bless the Igbo. Ise. Ise. Iseeeeee!