A prominent Imo businessman, Comrade Darlington Uzoahia, has called on former Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, and key political leaders from Owerri zone to publicly apologise to ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim over what he described as a politically motivated falsehood during the 2011 governorship election.
Uzoahia alleged that Ohakim was wrongly accused of assaulting a Catholic priest—a claim that was later proven to be false but significantly damaged the governor’s reputation and chances of re-election. He blamed Archbishop Obinna for failing to stop the spread of the rumour and for allegedly organising “black masses” against Ohakim in Catholic churches across Imo State.
He praised Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka for later revealing that the priest involved had denied ever being assaulted or even meeting Ohakim. Uzoahia further accused some political actors of moving the priest abroad to suppress the truth.
The businessman also criticised former Senator Chris Anyanwu for admitting in her memoir Bold Leap that she led a federal-backed military intervention during the 2011 elections, which he said amounted to an attack on democracy.
Calling for justice in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, Uzoahia said the political marginalisation of Okigwe zone must end, insisting that no candidate from Owerri zone should contest until the injustice done to Ohakim is acknowledged and corrected.
He concluded by urging those involved to take moral responsibility, stating that while they may have avoided public scrutiny, they cannot escape accountability before God.
