The Imeobi Onitsha Traditional Council has debunked a viral media report claiming that the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), issued a warning to Northern youths over rising tensions following the recent killing of Northern travellers in Uromi, Edo State.
In a statement dated April 3, 2025, and signed by Chief Osita Anionwu (Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha), Chief of Staff to the Obi of Onitsha, the palace categorically denied the report, calling it fake, fabricated, and misleading.
Anionwu stressed that His Majesty did not issue any such inflammatory statement and urged the public to disregard it.
“The Palace of the Obi of Onitsha wishes to inform the general public that His Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), has made no statement regarding the recent killing of northerners in Edo State. Furthermore, he has issued no warning to anyone on the matter,” the statement read in part.
“This is yet another example of the growing trend of attributing false statements to His Majesty with the aim of inciting discord. The statement is not only false but dangerously provocative.
“As a staunch advocate of peace and harmony among all Nigerians, His Majesty remains committed to fostering mutual respect and cooperation across all ethnic and regional divides. We encourage everyone to focus on building bridges, not walls.”
