The Ezekeke family of Okpo Village, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has strongly refuted circulating online reports alleging that Pastor Chibuike Ezekeke had intentions to murder his late nephew, Emmanuel Ezekeke.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Chukwubuike Ezekeke Jnr described the reports as “false, misleading, and sponsored by mischief makers determined to malign my father’s name.”
According to him, the late Emmanuel Ezekeke, born in 1980 to Mrs. Rita Okonkwo (née Ezekeke), was duly allocated landed property by their grandfather, the late Ezekeke Ezeumeh, before his passing. Disputes reportedly began after portions of Emmanuel’s property were allegedly sold by Mr. Louis Ezekeke against family resolutions.
Chukwubuike explained that the Umuezennani kindred had earlier cautioned members of the extended family not to purchase land from Mr. Louis Ezekeke. However, Mr. Chika Igbokwe allegedly violated this agreement by purchasing Emmanuel’s property only six months after his burial. Another buyer, Mr. Paul Unegbu, also acquired part of the property, which triggered strong opposition from the kindred. This eventually prompted disputes that were taken before the Ekwulobia Magistrate Court.
He clarified that his father, Pastor Chibuike Ezekeke, never attempted to sell or convert Emmanuel’s land, but rather worked alongside his late mother, Mrs. Abigail, and other family members to safeguard Emmanuel’s inheritance. “The entire Umunna was involved in the legal process to resist the unauthorized sales,” he added.
On the events of June 6, 2009, which some online reports referenced, Chukwubuike maintained that contrary to claims that Emmanuel was attacked in his sleep, the incident occurred in circumstances of self-defense. He stressed that the matter had since followed due legal process and was not a case of premeditated murder.
He further expressed disappointment over recent social media posts by some individuals, particularly Mrs. Rita Okonkwo and one Ojiugo Anawala Eze, accusing them of spreading what he described as “fabricated and malicious narratives” for personal reasons.
“My father has consistently sought peace and even provided a place within his own property for Emmanuel’s burial. He has repeatedly appealed to his sister in the interest of reconciliation. There is no basis for claims that he planned to kill his own sister or her son. These are falsehoods fueled by people with sinister motives,” Chukwubuike emphasized.
The family called on the public to disregard the online allegations, describing them as “cooked-up stories” intended to tarnish Pastor Chibuike Ezekeke’s reputation.
