The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has urged the Imo State government and security agencies to identify and hold accountable those behind the recent protests targeting El-Rufai and Obi during the Odenigbo lecture held last Saturday.
In a statement released yesterday and signed by the Archdiocesan chancellor and secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick C. Mbarah, titled “Clarifying the Facts,” the church emphasized the need for swift action against the instigators.
Highlighting Imo State’s reputation as a peaceful region known for its warm reception of visitors, the church appealed to authorities to promptly expose the masterminds of the disruption. Mbarah stated, “Imo State prides itself on being a haven of peace and hospitality. We call on the state government and security agencies to uncover those responsible for orchestrating these disturbances and ensure they face justice without delay.”
The Archdiocese also refuted rumors that former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was invited to speak at the 2025 Odenigbo lecture, clarifying that he neither addressed the audience nor held any press briefing during the event.
According to the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, social media platforms have been rife with misinformation and blatant falsehoods regarding El-Rufai’s alleged participation in the 2025 Archdiocesan Day/Odenigbo Lecture last weekend.
Mbarah explained that the Odenigbo lecture is a distinguished tradition of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, conducted exclusively in the Igbo language. It serves as a platform to celebrate Igbo culture, promote the gospel’s integration into local traditions, and enhance spiritual growth.
He further clarified that the lecture is always delivered by a speaker of Igbo descent, making El-Rufai’s involvement impossible given the language and cultural requirements.
Instead, the guest lecturer for the 2025 event was Rev. Sr. Prof. Evangeline Oparaocha from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), not El-Rufai.
Regarding Mr. Peter Obi, who has been a frequent attendee of the lecture, the priest noted that he was absent from this year’s gathering.
“While Peter Obi has regularly graced the Archdiocesan Day/Odenigbo lecture with his presence, he was unable to attend this year’s edition. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai did not deliver any speech nor hold a press conference at Villa Assumpta. It is misleading for any media outlet or group to circulate such inaccuracies,” Mbarah emphasized.
He reiterated that the Odenigbo lecture, delivered entirely in Igbo, is the highlight of the Archdiocesan Day celebrations. Only one guest lecturer, selected the previous year and of Igbo heritage, is invited to present the lecture.
“This year’s lecture took place on Saturday, September 6th, and was presented by Rev. Sr. Prof. Evangeline Oparaocha of FUTO. The event strictly adheres to this tradition. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was not invited to speak or participate in any official capacity. Although the lecturers are of Igbo origin, the audience is diverse, welcoming people from all ethnicities, religions, and political backgrounds,” he added.
Midway through the event, a group described as hired agitators-comprising young men and women-invaded the back gate of Maria Assumpta Cathedral, vocally protesting against Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai with offensive chants, the church reported.
The Archdiocese expressed deep disappointment that some individuals exploited vulnerable youths and women to disrupt a peaceful religious and cultural occasion instead of empowering them through constructive means.
Mbarah lamented, “It is regrettable that misguided parties recruited young people and women to disturb the Archdiocesan event rather than engaging them in activities that could improve their lives. Attempting to desecrate the sacred grounds of Villa Assumpta is a grave error by those behind this unrest. We urge these individuals to cease such hooliganism, which infringes on fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
Reiterating Imo State’s identity as a peaceful and hospitable community, the church called on all parties to desist from actions that undermine these values.
Images circulated widely on social media last Saturday showing protests against Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai’s attendance at the Odenigbo lecture in Owerri, further fueling tensions.
