By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (lPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has been accused of enabling violence in his community, Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

This was the stand of leaders of the community during a press conference held by both past and present leadership of the community, including the traditional ruler in Awka on Tuesday.

According to the leaders, Ejiofor has been in the habit of recruiting youths of the community, and using them to perpetuate violence.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the leadership of Oraifite, the President General of the community, Mr Vin Dike, said: “You may have read in the media recently about Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor claiming that our son, Sir Emeka plans to assassinate him.

"Those are all lies. We want to tell you that Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor is the biggest problem we have in Oraifite. He is the cause of insecurity in our community, and he uses IPOB to terrorize us. Of course, you know that his best known address is that he is the counsel to Nnamdi Kanu.

“We called you here today to tell you that Oraifite as a community has decided to suspend until further notice two significant cultural festivals, Otu Eke and Otu Ube.

“This is because it has contributed to insecurity in the community, and today the council has decided to suspend it indefinitely. Oraifite is a very peaceful community, but recently, youths have taken advantage of the two masquerade festivals to always unleash violence.

“Ifeanyi Ejiofor has been seen as the enabler of violence in the community. He recruits youths who he uses for these things. We don’t blame the youths because one will see him as a model. What he uses these kids for does not settle well with us, so we have abolished the festivals.”

The PG called on the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to ignore a petition by Ejiofor, which accused Offor of planning to assassinate him.

He also called on the IG to investigate his involvement in insecurity in Anambra State.

When Ejiofor was contacted, he denied the allegations, saying that the leaders were Emeka Offor’s lackeys.

He added: “Those accusing me of any wrong do not represent the voice of Oraifite community but they are simply Emeka Offor’s puppets who he handpicks for his selfish interests and personal bidding.”

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