Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused Southeast political, traditional, and religious leaders of betraying the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement on Wednesday, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the continued incarceration of Kanu since 2021 reflects the failure of Igbo leaders to rally behind him as other regions have done for their activists.

He alleged that governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers from the Southeast have “retreated into conspiratorial silence,” unlike northern governors who have engaged with bandits or Southwest leaders who pushed for the release of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.

“The negligence exhibited by Southeast leaders is not merely oversight but a glaring betrayal of their responsibilities. While other regions consolidate leadership to address their challenges, our leaders have chosen selfish interests over collective advocacy,” Isiguzoro said.

According to him, many Igbo politicians prefer visiting Kanu in detention for photo opportunities rather than lobbying President Bola Tinubu to secure his release.

He also accused traditional rulers and clerics of prioritising publicity over substantive negotiations.

“Ohanaeze unequivocally rebukes the hollow proclamations of some Igbo leaders who clamour for Kanu’s release without genuine action. The only impediment to his freedom is the absence of sincere assurances to President Tinubu that Kanu will conduct himself with integrity post-release,” he said.

Isiguzoro insisted that Igbo political elites remain the main beneficiaries of Kanu’s detention, accusing them of exploiting the situation to score cheap popularity without pursuing a real resolution.