Ahoada West LG Chairman Denies Assault Allegation by Former Aide

By Babatunji Wusu

• Minnie Ogadinma accuses chairman of ordering assault
• Council describes claims as false and malicious
• Rights groups demand investigation and prosecution

The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Eugene Ekpelle, is facing scrutiny after his former media aide, Minnie Ogadinma, alleged that he ordered his brother, Monday Cheta, to assault her over a social media post highlighting the poor condition of Community Secondary School, Odioku.

Ogadinma claimed that Ekpelle visited her residence, accused her of attempting to tarnish his image, and instructed his brother to “teach her a lesson.” She alleged that both she and her mother sustained injuries during the attack before neighbours intervened. She was reportedly relieved of her duties the same day.

However, the council, through Chief Press Secretary Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, dismissed the allegations as “false and malicious.” According to the statement, the chairman had visited Ogadinma for a peaceful engagement, but she allegedly confronted him with insults. The council added that any injuries sustained were minor and accidental.

The council further clarified that oversight of Community Secondary School falls under the Rivers State Government, not the local government council.

Human rights lawyer Chetam Nwala condemned the alleged assault, while civic organisations including Relief International Africa have called for the chairman’s arrest, prosecution, public apology, and compensation for the alleged injuries and displacement suffered by Ogadinma.