Sowore’s Protest To Free Kanu Echoes Ironsi’s Support For Awolowo – Brother

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has commended human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for his leading role in the ongoing movement demanding the release of his brother.

He told THE WHISTLER on Friday in Abuja after another round of mobilisation for a protest to free Nnamdi Kanu that Sowore’s movement is a historic act of solidarity by Nigerian leaders of the past.

He said Sowore’s peaceful mobilization of citizens for justice mirrors the courage of past national figures such as General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who defended fairness and the rule of law during critical moments in Nigeria’s history.

“What Sowore is doing today in organizing peaceful protests for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is reminiscent of the historical actions taken by General Aguiyi-Ironsi in support of Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” he said.

He described Sowore’s action as a reflection of the enduring spirit of civil advocacy, noting that the growing support across the country for Kanu’s release shows Nigerians’ awareness of the need for justice and national reconciliation.

“It’s fascinating how certain moments in history seem to repeat themselves, highlighting a long-standing tradition of advocating for justice and civil rights,” he said.

He defended the movement for his brother’s release saying, “Just as Ojukwu stood up for Awolowo during a pivotal time,” he stated, “Sowore is now taking a similar stand, drawing attention to significant issues and rallying people around a cause that resonates deeply within our society.”

Some supporters have in recent days been mobilising in various cities – including Abuja, Enugu, and Anambra – towards a nationwide protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

The mobilisation, largely coordinated by rights groups and pro-democracy activists with Sowore as the leader, is aimed at strengthening the movement towards Kanu’s release.

It’s being supported by former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung among others.

Prince Kanu told THE WHISTLER that the renewed public engagement should prompt the Federal Government to resolve the matter in line with the law and the principles of fairness.

“This connection,” he said, “to our past emphasizes the ongoing struggle for freedom and equity, reminding us that the fight for justice often spans generations.”

He further urged the authorities to listen to the voices of citizens calling for dialogue and the restoration of trust, adding that “history will remember those who stood for justice at a time it mattered most.”