Prof. Benard Odoh, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Ebonyi State, has denied allegations made against him by the Ebonyi State Government, which claim he was involved in the death of his traditional ruler, Ezeogo Ewa. According to the government, Odoh allegedly orchestrated the death of the monarch, who was tragically killed by unidentified gunmen. The traditional ruler was reportedly murdered at his home in the Umuezeokoha community around 8:30 PM on Monday, an event that plunged the entire area into mourning.
Following the incident, the Ebonyi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji, expressed sorrow over the situation and accused opposition figures of being responsible for the killing. Additionally, Simbad Ogbuatu, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, issued a statement on Tuesday accusing Odoh of being behind the monarch’s murder. In response to these allegations, Odoh spoke with journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, asserting that the accusations were a desperate attempt by the state government to damage his reputation.
Odoh expressed his disbelief that, during a time of mourning for his traditional ruler, the APC government would seek to undermine him. He stated, “Anyone who knows me is aware of my record. I have read the statements made by Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad and the APC State Working Committee. I have no issue with HRH Eze Igboke Ewa.” He described the late monarch as a father figure and mentioned that he had visited him just two weeks prior, following an attack on the ruler at Ezillo. Odoh emphasized that he had consulted Eze Igboke Ewa before embarking on his political journey and had received the monarch’s blessing.
Odoh further characterized the situation in Ebonyi as a political witch-hunt, recalling his ongoing conflict with the government since his departure as Secretary to the State Government. He noted that he had been attacked seven times during his campaign, with no investigations conducted, including one incident that resulted in the loss of two officers. He recounted a recent attack at Okposi, where he claimed APC members in branded vehicles were involved. Despite these challenges, Odoh vowed not to be distracted and promised to seek legal action regarding the accusations against him. He insisted that those making the allegations must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
“It’s strange that at a time when the entire community is mourning, this is what is coming out from the APC government,” he lamented. He urged the residents of the state to remain patient and await a thorough investigation, assuring them that appropriate actions would be taken. “Let’s be calm and hope that justice will be served in the end,” he implored.
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