The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Imo State government and Igbo leaders to intervene in the ongoing land dispute between Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry and communities in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB emphasized that the relocation of Zion Ministry's headquarters from Lagos to Imo State aligns with the group's appeal for Igbos to return their investments to their homeland.
"The relocation of Zion Ministry's headquarters from Lagos to Imo State aligns with our appeal to bring Igbo investments back home," the statement read. "The land disputes between the Zion Ministry and the communities of Ngor Okpala could jeopardize the appeal for investment relocation if not managed appropriately."
Government Intervention Needed
IPOB highlighted that the Imo State government is at the center of this conflict and urged authorities to investigate and settle the dispute according to legal and customary land ownership regulations in Igbo Land.
"For individuals to bring their investments back home, they will require land on which those investments will be placed. The choice by Zion Ministry to move their headquarters to Alaigbo is a positive step and should not be hindered due to land disputes," the statement continued.
According to IPOB, data available to them indicates that Zion Ministry conducted proper consultation with the communities, who instructed them to engage with the Imo State Government.
Recommendations for Resolution
To peacefully resolve the conflict, IPOB recommended several actions:
The Imo State Government should revisit the areas to confirm that Zion Ministry has not exceeded the sanctioned region
Those provoking the crisis for selfish motives must cease their actions
Individuals funding and coordinating demonstrations on this issue need to stop
Evangelist Ebuka Obi and his ministry should return to engage in discussions with the host communities
Respected Igbo leaders should step in to help reach a satisfactory resolution
The group also emphasized that "no governor should take control of a community's land and transfer it to any investor. Communities must participate in all land negotiations and acquisitions to prevent avoidable disputes."
While IPOB noted that it does not typically engage in civil disputes like land-related matters, the organization views this particular case as significant to its broader mission of encouraging Igbo investment in the homeland.
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