The last may not have been heard about the brawl between Ebelechukwu Obiano, the wife of the immediate past Governor of Anambra, Willie Obiano and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana and Spain widow of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former military governor of the Eastern Region.
It will be recalled that at the inauguration ceremony of Governor Charles Soludo, Ebelechukwu walked to Bianca, where she sat to insult her leading to a fisticuff between the duo and Bianca slapped her.
Bianca said Ebelechukwu taunted her and asked “me what I was there (at the inauguration) to do and using unprintable vile language.”
In the recent development, the Obi of Awka Ancient Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, the Eze Uzu 111 of Awka , Obi Dr Austin Ndigwe has given Ebelechukwu seven days to publicly apologise to the entire Igbo people or face serious consequences over her sacrilegious action against the symbol of Igbo unity, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The Monarch also ordered Ebelechukwu to tender an unreserved apology to the new Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for her disgraceful conduct during his inauguration.
He equally asked Obiano’s wife to apologise to the Chief Judge of the state, “who was conducting the swearing in when she descended so low like a mad dog.”
The Monarch explained in a statement he personally signed, “Bianca told me after the incident that what angered her was that Ebele called her unprintable names including prostitute and queried her presence at the swearing in ceremony. Unfortunately, this grave sin was committed in the land of Awka, which is known for peace and unity.
“Therefore, as the traditional ruler of the people and chief custodian of our culture, I am under obligation to perform some sacrifices to cleanse our land of this filth and pollution and to appease the gods.
“A study of the scenario as the incident occurred showed that her action was deliberate because as it were, she came very much prepared to disrupt the swearing in ceremony.
“And It is troubling that she began her ignoble actions when the chief judge stood up to swear in the new governor as she came and sat on his seat, a clear show of shame and lack of respect. Even when she was informed that the seat was for the chief judge , she refused to vacate the seat, only for her to stand up and move towards the direction of Bianca Ojukwu to start pouring venom on her.
“It must be pointed out that Bianca was not at that ceremony as Bianca but there as a direct representative of our late father and leader, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, her late husband who pioneered the All progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and the shining symbol of igbo unity and solidarity. Ojukwu sacrificed all he had for the Igbos to survive, so wherever Bianca goes , she represents and carries the aspirations and personage of the entire Igbo race.
“Therefore, Ebele’s action of casting aspersion on her is an affront on the entire Igbo people. It was indeed on Odumegwu Ojukwu and not on Bianca as a person. This is an insult on Igbo and it must not go unpunished.
“Ebele should realise that this same APGA on whose platform she and her husband have benefitted immensely throughout these eight years was floated when they were not even in the country and they never contributed to its formation.
“It is on record that I took Obiano and his wife, Ebele, to Bianca Ojukwu where they knelt down while seeking the party’s governorship ticket. Bianca endorsed Obiano and called on all APGA members, including then Governor Peter Obi to support him. It is the same Bianca that Ebele has now publicly insulted.
“This is a taboo against the tradition of the Awka people and the entire Igbo race who are known for respect and peaceful coexistence. It should be noted that Mrs Obiano and the husband Willie Obiano who used the name and pictures of Ojukwu in their campaign T shirts to win election via the endorsement of his wife Bianca never met Ojukwu or discussed with him while he was alive.
“The same ungrateful attitude was what Obiano and Ebele meted out to Prince Arthur Eze who financed the registration and establishment of APGA as a political party. Throughout their eight year tenure, Obiano never showed respect to Prince Eze. This is an indication that Obiano and his wife are pathological ingrates. This time they have gone too far.
“The Igbo are angry. Enough is enough, this is the last time that this kind of disgraceful and shameful act against Binaca Ojukwu would even be imagined or tolerated from anybody, no matter how highly placed. Igbo and non Igbo from various parts of the country and beyond have been calling to express their shock and anger over the incident and as the custodian of our people’s tradition it is incumbent on me to uphold the customs of our land.
“Ojukwu’s personage as represented by Bianca can never be denigrated! It is shameful that someone who has been first lady of a state can descend so low.
“Her conduct shows that she lacks proper training and it shows that she has no respect for constituted authority and even her husband, Former Governor Obiano. Mrs Ebele Obiano has only seven days to apologise as demanded and directed or face serious consequences.”
