Community stakeholders of Ngwoma-Obube in Owerri North LGA have sounded a final warning to blackmailers behind what they describe as a desperate smear campaign against their foremost philanthropist and industrialist, Prince (Dr.) Alex Mbata. In a statement released on Sunday, August 3, 2025, the community’s President General, Anthony Emeka Akwazie, and elder statesman Anayo Azomchukwu, dismissed recent accusations leveled against Mbata as “wicked propaganda laced with envy.”
The controversy stemmed from viral reports alleging that Prince Mbata orchestrated the blockade of roads in the community with caterpillars and armed police to stop a supposed coronation ceremony of one Mr. Kemakolam Onukogu, who falsely claims to be Eze-elect. Community leaders clarified that the road in question is a massive N3 billion ring road project cutting across Ulakwo-Ndiama, Egbelu Obube, and the Seat of Wisdom Seminary — fully funded by Mbata through the NDDC for the benefit of all.
Leaders condemned the attempts to link construction machinery and police presence to political intimidation. They declared the allegations as “a figment of the imagination of failed political hirelings” bent on undermining a man whose private efforts have uplifted thousands across Imo State. “Prince Mbata does not control the Nigerian Police,” they stated, adding that any claim to the contrary reveals “the height of ignorance and desperation.”
The community reaffirmed that Kemakolam Onukogu is not recognized by the people or the Imo State Government as a traditional ruler or Eze-elect. They warned against any illegal claim to the throne without following the statutory procedures and community customs. “There is no such position as Crown Prince in Ngwoma-Obube without due process,” the statement clarified.
The leaders accused individuals such as Greg Obioha and Francis Nkemdioha — whom they identified as external agents from Orlu — of spearheading the attacks on Mbata. They alleged that these men were sponsored by disgruntled political actors and labeled them as professional blackmailers with known mental health and credibility issues.
The statement urged the Inspector General of Police and the DSS to investigate and prosecute the sponsors of what it called “fake and defamatory publications.” They emphasized that Prince Mbata’s legacy of community development — from road projects to youth empowerment — should be celebrated, not ridiculed. “He remains our greatest asset, not our enemy,” the leaders declared.
As tensions escalate, the stakeholders issued a stern final warning: “Any individual or group that continues to peddle lies or incite unrest will be declared persona non grata in Ngwoma-Obube. Our community will no longer tolerate blackmail as politics.”
