Prophet Ohanaemere ‘Odumeje’ apologises to Arondizuogu, Awka people
Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, an Onitsha based pastor popularly known as Odumeje tendered unreserved apology to the people of Arondizuogu and Awka in Imo and Anambra states respectively for alleged uncomplimentary comments about them in viral videos.
The apology was contained in a Statement signed and issued by the popular prophet on Saturday.
He said the people of Awka and Arondizuogu communities were peace loving and that he had over the years shared fellowship and service in church with a great number of them.
“I will not make any attempts to justify my statement as even I can see that it’s hurtful in all its ramifications,” he stated.
Ohanaemere had in separate videos attacked the belief systems of Arondizuogu saying they were backward because of their fetish lifestyle while taking a swipe on one of her illustrious sons Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye.
Odumeje said the Awka masquerade festival of Egwu Imo Awka was fetish and a means of worshiping monkeys, which is the symbol of the god.
It would be recalled that some prominent people of Orsu Local Government Area where Prophet Odumeje hailed from had written letters of apology to the communities.
According to Ohanaemere, my attention has been drawn to publications on social media over the alleged face-off between me and the good people of Awka and Arondizuogu communities in Anambra and Imo States respectively.
”In the said posts, I was portrayed as declaring war on the people of these communities and their respective traditional festivals and beliefs. It was also alleged that I had vowed to destroy Imo-Awka festival and put a stop to the Ikeji festival of Arondizuogu.
”These two communities and their renowned indigenes have been known and recognized as major contributors to the development of their states, Igbo land and the nation at large.
”Awka and Arondizuogu communities have produced great men and women of integrity and pedigree and have always remained at the top of great sons and daughters of Igbo land.
”Against this backdrop and with every humility as a Servant of the Living God, I sincerely apologise to the great people of these two Communities, to the entire people of Igbo land and to my Elders for my utterances.
”I also want to specially apologize to the family of Mazi Pericoma of Arondizuogu who I understand until his passing on was a diligent servant ( Evangelist) of God.
“I apologise and put it on record that this experience has taught me that words that speak any form of divisive conversation amongst our people MUST be checked. This is a time for unity, love and unwavering support for each other.
”Similarly, I lend my voice to the directives of the federal and state government in observing all the COVID-19 protocols, while waiting on the Lord for the end of the pandemic,” he stated.
