The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media linking Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Emetu, to the recent violence in Okon village, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the office described the allegations as reckless and malicious, stressing that the Deputy Governor is neither an indigene of Okon village nor does he have any personal, political, or traditional interest in the internal affairs of the community.
The statement clarified that the selection of village heads, known as Ezieogo, is a purely customary process handled by the affected communities and relevant traditional institutions, and does not fall within the constitutional or administrative powers of the Deputy Governor.
It further explained that the leadership dispute in Okon village predates the current administration, noting that all parties involved are fully aware of the origins and history of the crisis. According to the statement, attempts to link the Deputy Governor to the violence are deliberate efforts to deflect responsibility and incite further discord.
The office disclosed that the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, the highest traditional authority in the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, has intervened on several occasions and is currently managing the matter.
Deputy Governor Emetu strongly condemned the burning of the residences and palaces of the Ezieogo of Okon, Bernard Kama, and the Nnaka IV of Okon Aku Autonomous Community, Eze Ndukwe Iko, as well as the destruction of property and threats to lives within the community.
The statement revealed that upon receiving reports of the incident, the Deputy Governor promptly intervened to ensure that injured persons were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where they are currently receiving adequate medical care.
He called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow security agencies, who have since been deployed to the area, to carry out thorough investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, due process, and respect for traditional institutions, the Deputy Governor urged the people of Okon to embrace dialogue and lawful means in resolving their differences.
The statement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, and dated January 5, 2026.
