Prince (Dr) Alex Mbata, a businessman and philanthropist from Ngwoma Obube in Owerri North LGA, continues to dominate conversations in Imo State — admired by many for his generosity and development projects, yet targeted by detractors who accuse him of ambition and arrogance.
Mbata, who has over the years sponsored road construction, education scholarships and support for churches, is hailed by supporters as a rare benefactor whose contributions have transformed lives. His critics, however, have sought to cast him as power-hungry, with rumours circulating about alleged political and traditional ambitions.
Observers note that much of the criticism is tied to his growing influence. In communities across Imo, testimonies abound of his interventions: scholarships that kept children in school, relief support for widows, and infrastructure projects that reshaped neglected areas. Churches also speak of his donations, with priests openly offering prayers for his continued support.
Analysts argue that the backlash is less about his record and more about the envy his philanthropy provokes. “Envy never follows the insignificant; it chases only the bright,” one commentator noted, pointing to the recurring wave of allegations against him.
Among the claims most often repeated is that Mbata harbours designs on becoming an Eze (traditional ruler). Supporters dismiss this as baseless, stressing that his works already command recognition far greater than any title. “He already wears a crown woven from the gratitude of widows, students and communities,” said one ally.
Despite the controversies, Mbata’s influence endures. Roads remain tarred, scholarships still lift families out of poverty, and his name is etched into church projects and community development. Critics continue to question his motives, but his supporters argue that the legacy of his philanthropy speaks louder than any pamphlet of allegations.
In the words of one local leader, “Alex Mbata is not the villain of their imagination but the benefactor of our reality.”
