The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has described the death of Dr Dozie Ikedife as a great physical loss to the Biafra nation and her citizens.

Ikedife, one-time president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, died at 88 years of age on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, after an age-related illness.

MASSOB in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Thursday by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, extolled the leadership qualities of Ikedife while alive, saying that he brought change to the organisation.

The statement reads in part: “Ikedife served Ndigbo in many areas till he joined our ancestors. His leadership as the vice chairman of elders Ndigbo and Biafrans can never be erased or historically forgotten.

“He never hid his identity when he eloquently declared publicly that he is a Biafran without fear of arrest or detention by Nigeria oppressive government.

“MASSOB will continue to remember his dedication and sacrifices to Ndigbo and Biafrans in general.

“We still remember that it was under his leadership as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that Ohanaeze Ndigbo publicly declared her support for MASSOB.

“Though we miss his physical presence, we know that he has joined Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Col Joe Achuzia, General Philip Efiong and numerous Biafran heroes to fight and defend Biafra nation in the spirit world.

“We commiserate with the family of Dr Ikedife, our great Biafran leader, a mentor, commander and a philanthropist who never gave up on what he believed especially the Biafra cause.”

MASSOB reiterated its faith in God Almighty for a speedy Biafra actualisation, saying that the Biafra project will never be abandoned, describing Ikedife as one of its pioneer leaders.

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