"EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE AND ARE DOING HAVE BEEN DONE THE LEGAL WAY" - PM SIMON EKPA

Written By Nnamdi Iheukwumere

The Methodical Path to Biafran Self-Determination: Simon Ekpa's Legal Odyssey

In an era where separatist movements often descend into chaos and violence, Simon Ekpa, the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), stands out as a figure who pursued his vision for Biafran independence through a remarkably disciplined and legalistic approach. Far from the stereotypes of armed rebellion, Ekpa's strategy was one of meticulous paperwork, international advocacy, and adherence to global norms. By systematically engaging international bodies, conducting referendums, and leveraging judicial avenues, Ekpa built a case for Biafra that prioritized diplomacy over disruption. This editorial examines the key steps he took, demonstrating a commitment to legality that challenges critics to reconsider the narrative around his leadership, even as he faced conviction in Finland in September 2025 on terrorism-related charges stemming from his activism.

Ekpa's journey began with formal appeals to the world's foremost international organizations, ensuring his demands were placed on record in the halls of global governance. On April 28, 2023, he petitioned the United Nations, articulating the historical grievances of the Biafran people, including political exclusion, economic neglect, and injustices against the Igbo ethnic group, while insisting that the 1914 amalgamation treaty forming Nigeria had expired after 100 years, rendering the union invalid and necessitating a peaceful dissolution. Similarly, he addressed the African Union (AU) through a petition acknowledged by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights on May 20, 2024, framing Biafra's aspirations within the continent's frameworks for decolonization and human rights, specifically seeking recognition of the right to self-determination and addressing the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Not stopping at Africa, Ekpa extended his outreach to the European Union on April 28, 2023, highlighting Nigeria's alleged violations of democratic principles and calling for EU support in facilitating a peaceful resolution through international mediation. Even Nigeria itself was not overlooked; on April 28, 2023, Ekpa formally wrote to the Nigerian government, insisting on the expiration of the 1914 amalgamation that birthed the modern state and demanding a referendum to address ethnic tensions, while returning his 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships medal in July 2024 as a symbolic renunciation of Nigerian citizenship. These letters were not mere rhetoric but calculated moves to exhaust domestic and regional dialogue before escalating to higher forums.

Building on this foundation, Ekpa orchestrated a self-referendum that spanned Biafran communities both at home and in the diaspora, gathering millions of signatures to demonstrate overwhelming popular support for independence. This process, initiated on February 1, 2024, and conducted in three phases concluding on November 28, 2024, was designed to comply with international standards for self-determination, with results deemed binding under global law by observers like the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS), reporting over 49 million votes in favor of secession. The referendum's inclusivity—targeting up to 20 million votes—underscored Ekpa's emphasis on democratic legitimacy, transforming abstract demands into quantifiable evidence of collective will.

Moran Global Strategies

Ekpa's international lobbying efforts further illustrate his strategic patience. He actively engaged the United States Congress by hiring the lobbying firm Moran Global Strategies on June 15, 2024, for a one-year contract to advocate for Biafran independence, educate stakeholders on Nigerian human rights abuses, and push for U.S. recognition of Biafra as a sovereign entity. This included applying pressure through advocacy and legal channels to garner support for Biafran recognition, such as registering the BRGIE with the U.S. Department of Justice as an entity advocating for independence. Such moves not only amplified Biafra's voice in Washington but also positioned Ekpa as a proponent of non-violent, policy-driven change.

When diplomacy alone proved insufficient, Ekpa turned to judicial mechanisms with precision. He filed cases with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on April 28, 2023, accusing Nigeria of human rights abuses and seeking accountability for actions against Biafrans, including widespread persecution and killings. In a parallel effort, he pursued litigation through African Union courts with a petition acknowledged on May 20, 2024, challenging Nigeria's territorial integrity and treatment of separatists on continental grounds, focusing on the restoration of Biafran independence amid alleged marginalization. These filings were bolstered by a team of international lawyers from various countries, ensuring comprehensive representation across jurisdictions.

Beyond these core actions, Ekpa's repertoire includes additional measures that reinforce his legalist ethos. He hosted a three-day convention in Helsinki, Finland, from October 21-23, 2023, to discuss the Biafran referendum and secure international support. He tabled Biafra's case at the UN General Assembly through allies, secured sanctions against Nigeria from the U.S. for human rights violations, and even navigated personal legal challenges in Finland while maintaining his advocacy, culminating in his September 1, 2025, conviction for terrorism-related offenses, which he denied. His government-in-exile outlined multi-step plans for independence, emphasizing civil disobedience and international recognition over confrontation.

Critics may decry Ekpa's methods as provocative, but the evidence paints a picture of a leader who methodically dotted every "i" and crossed every "t" in the international rulebook. In a region scarred by historical conflict, his approach offered a blueprint for peaceful secession—one that demanded the world take notice not through force, but through unflinching adherence to law. As Biafra's fate hangs in the balance amid Ekpa's impending appeals, his legacy may well be defined by this very meticulousness, proving that true revolutions can be waged with pens, petitions, and precedents.