By Correspondent
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A foremost Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Igbo Community Assembly Abuja, has risen in defence of one of its prominent leaders, High Chief Austin Oguejiofor, urging the public to allow the principle of due process to prevail amid a storm of social media allegations. The group has called for restraint and responsible discourse, warning that the spread of unverified information risks unfairly tarnishing the reputations of individuals who have contributed significantly to national development.
At a well-attended press conference in the nation’s capital, the Chairman of the Assembly, Chief Ositadimma Nwoye, addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video circulated by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. The video featured one Mr. Ifeanyi Udezue, who made a series of claims regarding a business transaction involving Chief Oguejiofor.
Chief Nwoye expressed the Assembly’s deep concern over the ease with which unverified narratives gain traction online, often causing undue damage to hard-earned reputations before the facts are established. He emphasised that while the freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised with a profound sense of responsibility.
“We stand before you today not to stifle discussion, but to call for fairness, balance, and a strict adherence to the rule of law,” Chief Nwoye stated. “Respected leaders within our community deserve to be addressed with the decorum and dignity befitting their status. We cannot allow the convenience of social media to become a tool for character assassination.”
A Reputation Built Over Decades
To provide context, the Assembly highlighted the extensive pedigree of Chief Austin Oguejiofor, also known as Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu. Described as a visionary entrepreneur, he serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Rotech Group, a conglomerate with a robust footprint in the real estate and infrastructure sector spanning over three decades .
Chief Oguejiofor’s business acumen has been instrumental in delivering major housing projects, including the Luxury Place Estate, contributing to efforts to bridge Nigeria’s significant housing deficit . Beyond commerce, he is widely recognised for his philanthropy. His contributions to community development include the donation of a building to the Anambra State Police Command to enhance security and his support for various youth and security initiatives .
The Igbo leader also holds several prestigious traditional and patronages titles, serving as the Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Youth Worldwide, the Anambra State Association Europe, the Anambra State Association Turkey, and the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria. The Assembly noted that these roles underscore his commitment to the welfare of Igbo people both at home and in the diaspora.
Due Process Versus Cyber Allegations
A key point of contention raised by the Assembly was the manner in which another respected Igbo elder and business mogrel, Prince Arthur Eze, was referenced in the controversial video. The group condemned this as a breach of traditional respect and ethics.
Furthermore, the Assembly clarified the status of the petition referenced in the viral video. While the video mentioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the dispute, Chief Nwoye revealed that available documentation confirms the petition previously submitted to the anti-graft agency has been formally withdrawn. This development, he argued, directly contradicts the narrative suggesting any official compromise or malfeasance by the EFCC.
“Available information and documentation indicate that the petition earlier submitted to the EFCC was subsequently withdrawn,” the Assembly Chairman clarified. “This fact is crucial, as it contradicts the narrative suggesting compromise by the anti-graft agency. We must learn to rely on documented evidence rather than viral speculation.”
The Assembly also noted that comprehensive documents, including registration records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and legal search reports pertaining to the disputed business transaction, exist and provide necessary context that is currently missing from the public discourse.
A Call for Legal Redress
In its strongest appeal, the Igbo Community Assembly Abuja urged all parties involved to eschew media trials and channel their grievances through established legal frameworks. The group maintained that the court of law, rather than the court of public opinion, remains the most appropriate venue for resolving contractual or business disputes.
“Where disagreements arise from business transactions, the most appropriate avenue for resolution remains a court of competent jurisdiction or other legally recognised dispute-resolution mechanisms,” Chief Nwoye added. “We call on our brother, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, and all other parties to remain calm and allow the law to take its course without interference from public sentiment.”
The Assembly also called on content creators and social media influencers to exercise due diligence. It appealed to them to verify facts before publishing content that could incite tension or target individuals and community institutions.
Conclusion
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and the protection of its members, the Igbo Community Assembly Abuja vowed to stand by any of its leaders found to be upholding the law, while also pledging not to shield anyone proven to be culpable. For now, the group insists that the narrative being pushed online does not reflect the reality of the documentation available, and it has called on the public to await the outcome of formal legal processes.
The organisation concluded by urging Ndigbo and Nigerians at large to promote fairness, accountability, and unwavering respect for the rule of law in all matters.
