Ibeku Monarchs Reverse Libation Against Governor Alex Otti

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Traditional rulers from several communities in Ibeku Egwu Asaa, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, have performed a counter-libation to nullify a ritual offering reportedly made against Governor Alex Otti by a former commissioner, Charles Ogbonnaya.

In a video circulating online, Ogbonnaya is seen pouring water on the ground and raising a kola nut while lamenting what he described as the governor’s alleged decision to govern Abia State from his private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, instead of the Government House in Umuahia. He suggested that the move had “denied the ancestors of the land their rights.”

However, reacting on behalf of the Ibeku traditional institution, monarchs drawn from different communities in the clan reversed the ritual, insisting that the earlier act was not sanctioned by the custodians of the land.

The royal fathers stressed that no individual has the authority to perform such rites without the approval of recognised traditional rulers, warning against the politicisation of cultural practices.

Describing Ogbonnaya as a respected son of the soil, the monarchs nevertheless said his actions lacked traditional mandate and therefore carried no spiritual authority.

They also expressed support for Governor Otti’s administration, urging that Ibeku land should not be dragged into political disputes.

One of the monarchs said:
“Our son performed a role he was not mandated to perform. He is our distinguished son, but the action he took was not approved by us, the custodians of the land.”

Concluding the ceremony, the traditional rulers declared that any perceived curse or invocation against the governor had been annulled.

“All evil wine and words against Governor Alex Otti are reversed. It shall be well with Governor Alex Otti,” they stated.