06/10/2025
JEWISH COMMUNITY IN NIGERIA DISOWNS GROUP LINKING JEWISH FAITH TO IPOB...
The Judaism Fellowship Initiative, the umbrella body of Nigeria’s Jewish community, has disowned the Eastern Judaism and Jewish Communities group operating in the South-East.
Chief Arthur-Regis Odidika, President, JFI, made the clarification on Monday in Awka while reacting to a publication titled “Judaism Adherents in South-East Plead with Tinubu to Release Kanu, Pray for His Health”.
The report stated that the group held a prayer session in Abia, and called on President Bola Tinubu to use his prerogative powers to release detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Odidika, who is also the Vice-President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Africa (Nigeria), said JFI was not connected to the group or its activities.
He said that while the fellowship had nothing against expressions of concern for anyone, including Kanu, Judaism as a faith should not be mixed with political, social or economic causes.
“Even though Mazi Nnamdi Kanu professes the Jewish faith, the Judaism Fellowship Initiative of Nigeria is not associated with any separatist movement,” he said.
Odidika further debunked claims of the existence of a so-called Biafra National Rabbi.
He said that JFI was a duly registered Incorporated Trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission and that none of the individuals named as leaders of the Eastern Judaism group was known to the organisation.
“Judaism in Nigeria has nothing to do with IPOB or any political agitation. Separatist pressure is not the agenda or pursuit of the Judaic faith in Nigeria.
“We want to state clearly that JFI has no relationship or affiliation with these individuals, though we have no authority to stop their activities,” he said.
Odidika reaffirmed JFI’s commitment to peace, mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse regions and religions.
He also announced that Clive Lawton, Head of the Jewish communities of the Commonwealth Nations, is expected to visit Nigeria in November.
According to him, the visit would mark a new chapter in the growth of Judaism in the country.
“I believe the visit will usher in unprecedented light and open various opportunities for Jewish economic, social and cultural advancement in Nigeria,” he said.
