By Mick Oseji, Asaba
A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of burial rites for the late community figure, Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, as a media aide to Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem has strongly refuted allegations linking his principal to the crisis.
Reacting through a statement issued on Thursday by Ochuko Okagbare, his Media Assistant, Ibegbulem dismissed claims made by Mr. Nduka Uhiere-Ebite, a social media influencer, during a live video broadcast, describing them as “misleading, malicious, and unfounded.”
The rebuttal follows a viral video in which Uhiere-Ebite reportedly accused Ibegbulem of influencing events that led to the halt of funeral arrangements in Ute-Okpu community, Delta State.
The former aide ex – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, however, maintained that he had no involvement in the decisions taken, stressing that the suspension of the burial rites was a collective resolution by the community’s traditional and administrative leadership.
“At no time did the youths of Ute-Okpu seek or obtain approval from Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem before taking any action,” the statement read.
According to him, the move to halt the burial was carried out on the directive of key community authorities, including the Obi-in-Council, members of the deceased’s family, the President General, and the leadership of the Ute-Okpu Youths Association.
He added that these facts are well known to the immediate family of the late Dunkwu, including his wife and children, and warned against what he described as deliberate attempts to distort the narrative.
Providing further clarification, Ibegbulem disclosed that he has not been in Delta State since April 10, noting that he is currently in Abuja preparing for law examinations at Baze University.
The statement also highlighted the cordial relationship between him and the late Dunkwu, describing it as one built on “mutual respect and shared commitment to community development.” It noted that Ibegbulem had deliberately refrained from public engagements following the death as a mark of mourning.
On the controversial demand for an autopsy, the aide insisted that it was a decision taken collectively by the community’s recognized leadership structures in line with local customs and traditions, not the directive of any individual.
He warned Uhiere-Ebite to desist from further defamatory statements, adding that legal action may be pursued if such claims persist.
“Residence abroad does not grant immunity from accountability for damaging statements,” the statement added.
The dispute has further heightened tensions in Ute-Okpu, where disagreements over the circumstances surrounding Dunkwu’s death and burial arrangements continue to stir debate and anxiety within the community.
