The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chinedu Obigwe, has said the 2021 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Chief Valentine Ozigbo lied about why a chieftaincy title was not conferred on him in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
Obi said, “The organisers of the Chieftaincy title reached a consensus agreement at the dying minute that Ozigbo did not not deserve to be honoured by Anaocha traditional rulers.
Obigwe stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Describing Ozigbo’s reason for not taking up the title as a cock and bull story, Obigwe asked the public to disregard his claims.
Ozigbo now a chieftain of the Labour Party, (LP)had last week rejected the the chieftaincy title offered to him by the people of Anaocha local government area of Anambra State following what he called politicization of the issue.
He was to be conferred with the title of ‘Enyi Oma Anaocha’ ( good friend of Anaocha) by the traditional rulers of the area and arrangements for the event had already gone far before his decline.
In a statement, Ozigbo said, “As you may know, I was deeply honoured to have been chosen for the title of “Enyi Oma Anaocha.” However, it has come to my attention that certain interests, perhaps feeling uneasy about our collective progress, are attempting to politicize this traditionally significant award.
“This not only threatens the sanctity of our traditions, but could also spark unnecessary divisions within our beloved communities.
“After thoughtful consultations with Anaocha’s esteemed leaders, I have made the difficult decision not to partake in this weekend’s ceremony. “This decision was not made lightly. It reflects my commitment to ensuring that our traditions remain untainted and our communities remain harmonious.
“I deeply appreciate the genuine intentions of the Anaocha Traditional Council and the entire communities. I want to extend my apologies, especially to you, my close friends, and to all who had planned to attend the event in support and celebration.
“Our journey is filled with highs and lows, but unity, love, and mutual respect keep us moving forward.
“The values that bind us are stronger than the challenges that face us. I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving our community and pushing for the betterment of Anambra State.
“I hope to see you soon, under happier circumstances, as we continue to work towards our shared goals. Your understanding, support, and prayers mean the world to me”.
But in the Sunday statement, Obigwe insisted that Ozigbo lied that he was rejected by the people of the area for the title having not done anything for them.
Obigwe’s statement read in part,”Valentine Ozigbo feeding of the general public with cooked up lies is tantamount to him chasing shadows and also playing to the gallery.
“The organisers of ANAFEST reached a consensus agreement that Ozigbo does not deserve to be honoured by Anaocha traditional rulers and for Ozigbo to rush to the media to claim that he voluntarily withdrew his acceptance of their decision to confer the Chieftaincy title of Enyi Oma Anaocha on him based on the claim that Anambra State government is uncomfortable with the decision to bestow such honour on him as a blackmail taken too far.
“The true story is that a suggestion was made for Ozigbo to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title but the organisers of the event reached a consensus agreement to reject the suggestion because Ozigbo does not deserve to be bestowed with such honour.
“As a matter of fact, outside contesting for Anambra State Governor in 2021, nobody knows Ozigbo in Anambra.
He has done absolutely nothing for Anaocha people that will merit him to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title.
“The last I remember vividly was Ozigbo telling Ndi Anambra that he will lend them money to learn skill acquisition and after the computer training that they will pay him back the money when they start working.
“I truly don’t know what Ozigbo will claim that he did for Anaocha people that will make them decide to bestow a Chieftaincy honour on him.
Describing Ozigbo as lackey, Obigwe said,” One millio Ozigbos cannot unseat Governor Soludo and as for Governor Soludo 2nd term mandate, it is already a divine sealed deal.”
It was gathered that some people in the state were opposed to the conferment of the title on Ozigbo because of his rumoured interest in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, hence his decision to call it off.
