The crisis in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took another twist on Sunday, as the leader of the organization, Nnamdi Kanu announced the expulsion of members of the dissolved third administration of the Directorate of State (DOS), the group’s apex administrative organ.
The crisis ensued after Kanu, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, announced the dissolution of the DOS, headed by Chika Edoziem.
He also announced the appointment of a fourth administration, headed by Chris Nwaogu, as a replacement.
But Edoziem kicked against the development and in a counter move, issued a statement to declare that IPOB has suspended Kanu as the group’s leader.
Edoziem also announced the suspension of the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.
However, IPOB, in a statement by Emma Powerful, dismissed Kanu’s purported suspension, describing it as illegal, null and void.
The group subsequently published details of its code of conduct, which stated that Kanu, as leader of the group, has the exclusive authority to appoint and dissolve the DOS.
In a statement he signed, and made available to journalists on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Kanu, who is serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison, declared that the expulsion of members of the Edoziem-led DOS is with immediate effect.
Those expelled were listed as Chika Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Colins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu a.k.a Juliet Edward Filatro and Keke Uda.
Giving a historical context of the decision, Kanu said a change of leadership in the DOS is not new, even as he explained that the tenure of the Edoziem-led team had already elapsed.
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The IPOB leader further explained that whereas the dissolution of the third administration of the DOS was an administrative action, the expulsion of the team is a disciplinary measure arising from the conduct of the affected persons.
He emphasized that all actions were taken in accordance with the IPOB’s code of conduct.
Kanu warned that any person, group, or entity that deals with, associates with, hosts, platforms, or speaks on behalf of the expelled individuals “shall be regarded as acting against the interests of IPOB and Biafra.”
He directed all genuine members, coordinators and supporters of IPOB across the world to give every material and moral support to the fourth administration of the DOS led by Chris Nwaogu.
“The movement remains resolute, focused, and united under my clear leadership and vision,” Kanu declared.
