By Our Correspondent
Awa Ancient Kingdom, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State
A wave of tension and uncertainty has engulfed Awa Ancient Kingdom in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State following disturbing allegations of the secret introduction of a foreign deity, violent confrontation with security operatives, and an alleged attempted murder involving Mrs. Obiageri Ottih of the Ottih family compound.
The controversy came to the fore after a Media Fact-Finding Investigation conducted on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during which journalists and independent observers visited the community to verify reports that had triggered fear, outrage, and deep divisions among residents.
Findings from the investigation revealed that a deity identified by community sources as Agbara was allegedly brought into the ancestral compound of the Ottih family by Mr. Joseph Ottih, popularly known as Dee Boy, his wife, Mrs. Obiageri Ottih, the third wife of the late Chief Daniel Ottih, and their children. Residents alleged that the object was introduced without the knowledge or consent of community elders, an action said to be contrary to long-standing traditions.
Soon after the alleged introduction of the deity, unease reportedly spread across the community. Villagers claimed that strange and suspicious activities were noticed around the compound, including reports that unfamiliar young persons, particularly girls, were seen entering the premises under unclear circumstances.
These claims heightened fear and prompted residents to alert local vigilante operatives.
Tension escalated on December 28, 2025, when vigilante members moved to the Ottih compound to investigate the allegations. Eyewitnesses told reporters that efforts to access the section of the compound where the deity was allegedly concealed were met with aggressive resistance.
According to multiple accounts, Joseph Ottih, his wife, and their children, identified as Chinecherem, Favor, Chilota, and Chisimdiri, were seen wielding weapons and confronting vigilante operatives. The confrontation was reportedly captured on video.
As the situation deteriorated, the Nigeria Police Force was invited to intervene. Security sources disclosed that police officers were also attacked before eventually restoring order.
The alleged deity was recovered and transported to Owerri for further investigation. During the operation, the police vehicle conveying the object was reportedly involved in a road accident, an incident that further heightened tension and speculation within the community. Shortly after the removal of the deity, members of the Ottih household allegedly fled the area, reportedly to evade arrest.
The crisis reportedly deepened the following day, December 29, 2025, when the family allegedly returned to the community in an aggressive manner. Witnesses accused them of launching a violent attack on a minor identified as Chinenye, the daughter of the complainant. Eyewitnesses alleged that Mrs. Obiageri Ottih struck the child on the back of the neck with a wooden pestle, causing her to collapse unconscious. Believing the child had died, the attackers reportedly fled the scene.
The victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, but due to an ongoing health workers’ strike, she was transferred to Save-A-Life Hospital in Amakohia-Uratta, Owerri, where medical personnel reportedly succeeded in saving her life.
Following the incident, a formal petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, on December 30, 2025. On January 3, 2026, Mrs. Obiageri Ottih was arrested by community vigilantes and taken before the traditional ruler of Awa, His Royal Highness Eze Felix Ihezie Ononuju, who reportedly described the alleged act as a grave taboo under Awa customs. She was subsequently handed over to the Police and later granted bail after citing ill health.
Police authorities directed all parties involved, including the Ottih children allegedly linked to the assault, to report to the station on January 13, 2026. However, security sources alleged that Joseph Ottih and his wife appeared with two individuals who falsely claimed to represent the complainant’s family. The impostors reportedly fled after their claims were questioned.
During the media verification visit, journalists, legal practitioners, and community leaders independently confirmed that Mrs. Obiageri Ottih introduced the deity into the compound. Sources further disclosed that the object was allegedly brought in as a spiritual protective measure for one of her sons who reportedly began experiencing epileptic seizures following a football-related incident within the community.
Several members of the Ottih family publicly distanced themselves from the incident. Nnachi Divine Daniel Ottih expressed disappointment, alleging that his elder brother Joseph was influenced by his wife to allow the deity into their late father’s compound. Another family member, Augustine Ottih, emphasized that their late father, Chief Daniel Ottih, lived and died as a devout Christian who neither served nor tolerated idol worship, stressing that the family unanimously rejected the act.
After extensive consultations, leaders of Awa Ancient Kingdom reportedly resolved to banish Mrs. Obiageri Ottih from the community, barring her from entering Awa as a measure to restore peace and uphold tradition. Pastor Mrs. Matina Nwosu, Women’s Wing Secretary of Ndionyeagorom Awa Community, condemned the introduction of the deity, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the moral and cultural values of the land.
As investigations continue, community leaders have called for calm, urging all parties to respect traditional authority and the rule of law, while emphasizing that peace and unity remain essential for the stability of Oguta Local Government Area and Imo State as a whole.
