The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has urged the Imo State government and Igbo leaders to intervene in the land dispute between Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry and some communities in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.
In the statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the relocation of Zion Ministry’s headquarters from Lagos to Imo State aligns with the group’s appeal that Igbos should move their investments back home.
The statement read, “The worldwide initiative and community of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the unwavering leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, has urged the Imo State Government and other accountable Igbo leaders to intervene in the land dispute between Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry and certain Communities in Ngor Okpala LGA in Imo State to achieve a peaceful resolution.
“The government of Imo State is at the heart of this land conflict. They need to investigate this issue and swiftly and amicably settle the land conflict according to legal and customary land ownership regulations in Igbo Land.
“IPOB does not engage in civil disputes like land-related matters. The relocation of Zion Ministry’s headquarters from Lagos to Imo State aligns with our appeal to bring Igbo investments back home.
“The land disputes between the Zion Ministry and the communities of Ngor Okpala could jeopardize the appeal for investment relocation if not managed appropriately.
“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.
“For this reason, IPOB is urging the Imo State Government along with other caring Igbo sons and daughters to work towards mending the division between Evang. Ebuka Obi, his Zion Ministry, and the Ngor Okpala Communities are committed to resolving matters swiftly and peacefully.”
The statement said data available to IPOB indicated that the Zion Ministry conducted a proper consultation with the communities, who instructed them to engage with the Imo State Government.
He added: “We were notified that Evangelist Ebuka Obi and his ministry consulted the communities before reaching the government of Imo State.
“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.
“To peacefully and swiftly address the ongoing land conflict between the Zion Ministry and the host Community, IPOB is urging:
“The Imo State Government will revisit the areas to confirm that the Zion Ministry has not exceeded the sanctioned region.
“Those provoking the crisis for their own selfish motives must cease.
“Those funding and coordinating demonstrations on this issue need to cease.
“Evang. Ebuka Obi and his ministry ought to return and engage in discussions with the host communities.
“Esteemed Igbo leaders should step in to help reach a satisfactory resolution to the issue.”
