Okon-Aku Community Threatens Legal Action Over Defamatory Claims Following January Crisis

The Traditional Council and Community Development Union of Okon-Aku autonomous community in Ohafia Local Government Area have vowed to pursue legal action against individuals they accuse of spreading false and defamatory information in the wake of a recent crisis.

The crisis, which occurred on January 2nd and 3rd, 2026, resulted in one fatality, property damage, and the displacement of residents.

In a strongly worded statement released today, signed by Chief U.E. Udensi, representing the Okon-Aku Traditional Rulers Council/Nnaka IV Cabinet, and Comrade Okorie Kama, President of the Okon-Aku Development Union, the community condemned what they describe as a deliberate campaign to discredit the legitimacy of their traditional leadership.

The community alleges that individuals, identified as non-indigenes and non-residents, have been circulating claims that Okon-Aku lacks a recognised traditional ruler.

This claim is vehemently denied by the Council and Union, who assert the full recognition of His Royal Highness Eze Engr. Ndukwe Iko, Nnaka IV of Okon-Aku.

“This deliberate false claim is entirely defamatory, derogatory, and misleading, constituting a direct affront to the dignity and collective existence of our community,” the statement reads.

They emphasized that Eze Iko was officially installed in 2024 and holds a Certificate and Staff of Office issued by the Abia State Government, and is a member of multiple Traditional Rulers’ Councils within the state.

The statement also reaffirmed the authority of Ezeogo Bernard Kama Igomini, the Ezeogo Okon-Aku, and his role within the Ohafia Council of Monarchs.

While still mourning their losses, community leaders expressed their full support for the Abia State government’s administrative panel of enquiry investigating the January crisis, as well as the deployment of security forces who have reportedly made arrests.

“They criticised those seemingly opposed to the government’s actions, labeling them as outsiders unable to understand the community’s grief.

“We reaffirm that Okon-Aku remains committed to justice, peace, and healing,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to work closely with the Abia State Government, all security agencies, and the Administrative Panel of Inquiry to ensure the perpetrators of this tragedy are brought to justice.

“We also reiterate that all defamatory claims against the Okon-Aku Traditional Stool and the community, will be met with appropriate legal actions.”

The community is seeking redress for the damage to their reputation and a commitment to truth and reconciliation following the recent unrest.