Written by Anyi Kings
Published on the Biafra Post
March 10 2026
The dispute between the former Deputy Leader of IPOB, Uche Okafor Mefor, and the Leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, eventually led to the abolition of the Office of the Deputy Leader through the IPOB Code of Conduct. This marked a transition from the earlier structure where individual supreme authority was exercised by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the establishment of a written Code of Conduct.
It is important to understand that IPOB, like every organization, had pioneers. These pioneers built and structured the organization based on their vision, mission, and targets. In many startup organizations, structures are often operated for years based on verbal mutual agreements and understandings. During such early stages, pioneers appoint individuals into positions—sometimes based on merit, but often based on activeness, commitment, and financial responsibility. This is common in growing movements seeking expansion and consolidation.
However, such appointments are usually temporary until the organization matures and formal structures are established. As IPOB grew, a collective written Code of Conduct was introduced. This formal development led to the abolition of the Office of the Deputy Leader and the eventual removal of Uche Mefor from IPOB by the Directorate of State (DOS).
At that stage, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had ceased to exercise absolute power to appoint or remove members unilaterally.
While recommendations regarding appointments or suspensions could still be made by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the Leader—or by any principal officer within the hierarchy—only an official DOS memo remains the recognized and effective instrument for appointments or suspensions within IPOB.
During the dispute between Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Uche Mefor, the matter was referred to IPOB’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), which is headed by Mazi Agbanyim. The DRC is composed of clergymen, lawyers, and other professionals skilled in dispute management. Within IPOB, the DRC is regarded as the highest internal judicial body. In cases involving disputes between principal officers, the DRC delivers the final judgment, and such judgment is enforced by the DOS.
It is important to note that this DRC structure was not in existence before the alleged dissolution of the former 11 DOS members while Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Kuje prison. Had the DRC been in place at that time, any grievances would have been directed through this committee, which would then have guided the DOS on appropriate actions.
In a private liability company, a founder, CEO, or owner may exercise absolute authority because employees are on payroll and the founder remains the sole investor. However, in a corporate organizational setting that has expanded into a full movement like IPOB, no individual should exercise absolute authority outside the framework of the organization’s Code of Conduct.
Therefore, those nurturing the idea that once Mazi Nnamdi Kanu regains full operational control he would summarily sack individuals he may perceive as opponents—such as Mazi Chinasa Nworu, Mazi Chika Edoziem, Mazi Offoma, or others—are merely daydreaming. While no principal officer is above suspension or removal regardless of rank, due process must always be followed. Any suspension or removal must strictly comply with the established Code of Conduct.
Citing operational practices from the early stage of the organization—when there was no written law—is tantamount to relying on repealed legal standards. It is similar to how repealed or improperly applied laws were allegedly used by Nigerian courts in the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This clarification is necessary because of the ongoing controversial discussions from certain quarters. Some of these individuals have proven themselves to be agents provocateurs who are not IPOB members, yet they attempt to lecture IPOB members about the organization as though they possess superior knowledge of its internal structure.
Anyi Kings February 14, 2026
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