Oto-Awori Ohanaeze Crisis Deepens as Prince Chimezie Duru Chima Fires Back at Chief Emma Ubah
….Dismisses N1m Bribery Claim, Defends Election, Recounts Fallout With Chief Emma Ubah
By Naomi Onome
Prince Chimezie Duru Chima, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oto-Awori, Lagos State, has denied allegations that he bribed members of the electoral committee with N1 million to manipulate the organisation’s recent election in his favour.
Chima described the allegation as baseless, insisting that the election was conducted transparently, with the participation and observation of traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Speaking during an interview, he maintained that there was no bribery, manipulation or disagreement during the exercise, adding that he had video recordings to support his position.
He also identified Eze Uchenna Dike and other traditional leaders as some of the stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
Recounting his relationship with Chief Emma Ubah (Otunba of Ojoto), Chima claimed that he personally introduced Ubah to Ohanaeze several years ago and facilitated his political advancement within the organisation.
According to him, Ubah initially contested for the position of treasurer but lost before he later encouraged him to contest for the chairmanship of the Oto-Awori chapter.
Chima further alleged that disagreements over the independence of the organisation and the venue for its meetings contributed to a prolonged leadership crisis, which eventually produced rival factions.
He claimed that following the harmonisation of the factions, Ubah later contested for the presidency without adequately consulting stakeholders in Oto-Awori, leading to another disagreement over the distribution of leadership positions.
Chima said he subsequently obtained the nomination form to contest for the chairmanship after consulting traditional rulers and other stakeholders, insisting that his emergence was legitimate.
Makes allegations against Ubah
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Chima further alleged that Chief Emma Ubah was involved in questionable and potentially illegitimate business activities, calling on relevant authorities to investigate the claims.
He challenged Ubah to respond to the claims, insisting that individuals occupying leadership positions should be prepared to account for their activities.
Promises empowerment programmes
Speaking on his plans for Ohanaeze members in Oto-Awori, Chima said his priority was human capital development, education and economic empowerment.
He disclosed that he had personally supported members through the payment of school fees, assistance with house rents and distribution of food items to vulnerable women.
According to him, his philanthropic activities are funded from his personal resources and are not restricted to members of the Igbo community, as people from other ethnic backgrounds can also benefit.
He urged members to remain united despite the leadership disagreements, stressing that division would undermine the organisation’s progress.
“My message to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oto-Awori is that they should remain calm, focused and united. United we stand, divided we fall. We are moving forward,” he said.
Read Also:Ohaneze Lagos Poll: Ubah Breaks Silence on Audio Leak, Denies Intent, Declares Loyalty to New Leadership
The allegations against Chief Emma Ubah (Otunba of Ojoto) remain unverified. His response to the claims was not contained in the interview, and he should be given an opportunity to address them.
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