Ooni ‘renames’ IPOB, says Biafra agitators are not terrorists

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the ooni of Ife, has referred to the Biafra group led by Nnamdi Kanu as the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria (IPOBN).

He said this on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia state.

The monarch expressed disapproval with the proscription of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying members of the group should not be regarded as terrorists.

Ogunwusi said the youth, who were involved in the agitation were justified in asking for justice and equity.

The king visited the state to celebrate the new yam festival with Eberechi Dick, chairman of the south-east council of traditional rulers.

“There is something that is bothering them; there is something that is making them to cry,” he said.

“We should not throw them away; we should draw them closer because the youth of this country are the future, the energy, they are the heartbeat of this country.”

He said their energy could be tapped and channeled to build a better Nigeria.

Ogunwusi called for proper re-orientation in order to make young people drop negative tendencies.

Backing the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on restructuring, Ogunwusi said the Yoruba share the same view on the way forward for a better and all-inclusive Nigeria.

“We must chart the course of doing things with positive energy. I want to let you know that you are not alone in this,” he said.

“We stand by you positively in a very progressive manner. We stand by you; we all must come together to build a united Nigeria. We don’t want any war; we don’t want any disintegration.”

Ikpeazu said he was honoured to host the revered traditional ruler. He praised the ooni for “being in tune with national issues and making positive contributions for national rebirth”.

”I am a firm believer that this country is strong today because of its diversity,” he said.

“The problem confronting Nigeria remains the inability to harness the potentials and weld together the diversities to create a strong, united country.”