In Abia State, the traditional ruler of Okai Item, Eze James Ogbonnaya, has called on Governor Alex Otti to intervene in what he describes as a looming crisis in his community. Speaking to journalists in Umuahia on Tuesday, Eze Ogbonnaya, along with his Prime Minister, accused supporters of Rt Rev Sunday Onuoha, the Methodist Church Bishop, of harassing him and other community members.

Eze Ogbonnaya claimed that his role as the traditional ruler was being undermined by certain individuals in Okai who were allegedly planning to install a rival factional ruler. “My life is now in danger,” Eze Ogbonnaya said, expressing fear for his safety. He urged Governor Otti and the Methodist Prelate to step in to prevent further conflict.

The monarch also responded to accusations that he had protected a pastor implicated in homosexual activity in his community. He clarified that he had immediately expelled the pastor once the matter was brought to his attention.

The Prime Minister of Okai Item, Igwe Kalu, who is also a youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), joined the appeal for help. Kalu said his life, as well as the lives of his elderly parents, were under threat. He claimed that on December 29, he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when thugs attacked his home, destroying his house and economic trees.

Despite the accusations, Bishop Onuoha dismissed the allegations as “expired lies” and “laughable,” asserting that anyone who knew him would recognize the claims as false.