By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Controversial Anambra-based cleric, Chukwuemeka Odumeje, has reportedly come under fire from members of his Uda village community who have accused him of betraying their collective interest by publicly calling for the release of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is serving life imprisonment in the Nigeria Correctional Centre facility in Sokoto, the City of the Caliphate.
Odumeje, popularly called Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, is an indigene of Anambra State, Nigeria and founder and leader of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry located in Onitsha also in Anambra State.
In a message circulating online and attributed to a representative of the community’s leadership, the villagers expressed anger and disappointment over Odumeje’s stance, particularly in the wake of alleged attacks linked to the Eastern Security Network.
The message was contained in a Facebook post addressed to Odumeje on Sunday by Ezeikolomuo, Igbo Consciousness Teacher.
The message claimed the community suffered displacement and casualties during the crisis, leaving many residents homeless and unable to bury their dead.
The kinsmen also accused the outspoken preacher of failing to honour an agreement tied to a parcel of land in the village.
According to them, the land — said to have been donated freely by the community — was given on the condition that he would construct a community hall before building his private residence. They alleged that Odumeje instead commenced construction of a palatial mansion without fulfilling the agreed obligation.
The community leaders further warned that the land originally allocated to him could be reclaimed, insisting that his public support for Kanu had deeply offended villagers who claimed to have suffered during the activities attributed to the separatist group.
In the strongly worded message, the kinsmen advised Odumeje to remain in Onitsha or relocate to Afaraukwu or even Sokoto, warning that he may face tough questions from residents if he returns to the village.
As of the time of filing this report, Odumeje had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The message read: Dear Odumeje,
Your Uda village which spoke through their Vice Chairman said I should inform you they are angry and disappointed in you.
They said the land upon which you were building your palatial country-home was given to you by Uda community for free.
The land which was originally owned by the communal deity was given to you to erect your house on the condition that you will build a community hall for them.
However, you curved them and started your mansion without building the village hall.
To add insult to the injury, when your community was sacked by Nnamdi Kanu’s Eastern Security Network which led to a lot of your people being killed, rendered homeless and childless, instead of you, as the most recognizable voice from the village, to use your voice in calling out the oppressors of your own people, you rather used your voice to bless him and call for his release.
Oduu, I do not know if you can recognize the middle aged man on yellow attire in this picture we took in front of your house?
He introduced himself as the Vice Chairman of your community. He said I should tell you they are waiting for you at home.
This land they gave you for free, they are retrieving it back since you backstabbed your own in their greatest hour of need.
Indabo, they said if you know what is good for you remain in Onicha or relocate to Afaraukwu or Sokoto.
Because, if they see you in the village, you must explain to them what they did to you that you will speak good of a charlatan that has made your Uda village desolate. And also made it impossible for you to bury your dead father and mother.
Baho, that landmine in the second slide was dug out in front of your house by the Nigerian soldiers. This very incidence happened in my own eyes. The landmine was rigged by your hero Nnamdi Kanu’s ESN.
You have my best wishes,
Ezeikolomuo
Igbo Consciousness Teacher
