IPOB Founder Responds to Prophet Elijah Bamidele’s Statements
In a recent video, Prophet Elijah Bamidele made controversial remarks directed towards the Igbo community, criticizing their alleged lack of support for their own people. He asserted that 99% of those criticizing figures like Prophet Ebuka Obi, Nnamdi Kanu, and Simon Ekpa are Igbo individuals, contrasting this with the Yoruba community’s support for figures like Sunday Igboho and President Tinubu.
Prophet Bamidele urged Igbo people to rally behind their own and emphasized his unwavering support for President Tinubu, regardless of his actions. However, IPOB Founder strongly disagrees with Bamidele’s assertions, labeling them as misguided and anti-Igbo.
In his word he said as follows:
”I listened to the words of Prophet Elijah Bamidele on video rebuking the Igbo people for not protecting their own. He said that 99% of the people criticizing Prophet Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry are Igbo people, that 99% of the people criticizing Nnamdi Kanu are Igbo people, that 99% of the people criticizing Simon Ekpa are Igbo people.
- He compared them to Sunday Igboho who is supported by the Yoruba people. He compared them to President Tinubu who is supported by the Yoruba people. He said that he supports President Tinubu no matter what Tinubu did. He advised the Igbo people to protect their own instead of pulling their own people down. He emphasised that no Igbo man will rule Nigeria because Igbo people hate themselves and are not united.
- I will boldly say that Prophet Elijah Bamidele is misguided by his thoughts because he does not understand the Igbo philosophy of life. I think that his words of advice to the Igbo people are foolishness, with due respect. His advice is anti-Igbo.
- The truth is that Igbo people believe in justice, fairness and righteousness. An Igbo man is independently minded. The original Igbo man or Igbo woman has a mind of his or her own. He or she does not follow a multitude to do evil. Unfortunately, things have changed now and made the younger generation to lose our traditional norms and values but the Igbo foundation of righteousness remains intact.
- In our traditional upbringing, we were trained not support an Igbo thief or murderer just because he is an Igbo man. Therefore, an Igbo man can fight against another Igbo man to obtain justice for a stranger who has been cheated by the Igbo man. Yes, he will fight against his own brother to protect a stranger.
- We supported Peter Obi not because he is an Igbo man but because of his clean record, uprightness and vision to salvage Nigeria for the benefit of everyone. Peter Obi would have saved Nigeria if the people like the Prophet did no prefer the candidate who said it was his turn to rule Nigeria and would snatch the ballot boxes, grab power and run with it. Prophet Bamidele must have seen how the President snatched it, grabbed it and is now running with it. I hope the Prophet is now very happy with Nigeria.
- Other ethnic nationalities may support their own people who are stealing the wealth and resources of the country but Igbo people will not do so. We do not support evil even if the evildoer is a philanthropic Igbo man. We shall not send a thief to rule Nigeria just because he is an Igbo man.
- Regarding the agitation for Biafra which Prophet Bamidele mentioned in his video, Igboland was known for its peace and tranquility until something went wrong. Nnamdi Kanu who never knew the origin and foundation of the original IPOB and Simon Ekpa brought anarchy to Igboland, abusing and disrespecting the Elders. Their slogan was “Biafra or Death”.
- They imposed a sit-at-home order in Igboland in which anybody who disobeyed them would be killed. Many have been killed for disobeying the sit-at-home order on Mondays. Up to this day, the normal Monday business has not returned in Igboland. Many Igbo people have fled to the West and North and South South regions for safety.
- Did Sunday Igboho do the same thing in Yorubaland? Did he abuse the Yoruba Elders? Do you expect the Igbo people to be happy as a people held in bondage in their homes every Monday?
- History shows that the Igbo people are the only people in the whole world who can change their god and make another god for themselves. Our ancestors told us that whenever a deity in Igboland became too stubborn, making obnoxious and onerous demands and inflicting unbearable pains to the community, we would reject the deity, and show him the wood from which it was carved.
- In actual practice, our ancestors would go into his shrine and turn their back nakedness to him to desecrate the shrine, and spit at him and urinate on him. They would speak to him that they had rejected him. They would show him a piece of the wood from which it was carved. They would take the deity as wood and burn it and replace him with another god of their choice.
- Yes, when a god in Igboland becomes too stubborn and unreasonable, we will reject him. This is the Igbo of my heritage. Thank you. Please share this message.
Dr. Barr. Emeka Emekesiri, PhD.
(Nzeobi II of Okwara-Unegbu Amucha)
IPOB FOUNDER AND VISION BEARER”
According to the IPOB Founder, the Igbo philosophy centers on justice, fairness, and righteousness, with an emphasis on individuality and independence of thought. He refutes the notion that Igbo people blindly support their own, asserting that they prioritize principles over ethnic allegiance.
Furthermore, the Founder highlights the distinction between supporting individuals based on merit, as exemplified by their support for Peter Obi, and condoning wrongdoing solely because of ethnic affiliation. He criticizes the notion of sending a thief to rule Nigeria merely because they are Igbo.
Addressing the Biafra agitation, Barr Emeka condemned the imposition of sit-at-home orders by certain groups, resulting in violence and disruption of daily life in Igbo communities. He questions whether similar tactics have been employed in Yorubaland and emphasizes the Igbo people’s commitment to rejecting injustice.
Drawing from Igbo cultural practices, Barr Emeka illustrates the community’s willingness to reject oppressive forces, even if they are considered sacred. He concludes by reaffirming his commitment to the principles of justice and righteousness, rooted in the Igbo heritage.
This response from the Founder of IPOB underscores the diversity of perspectives within the Igbo community and the importance of nuanced understanding when addressing ethnic dynamics and socio-political issues.