Controversial Onitsha-based pastor, Chukwuemeka Ohaneze, who goes by the popular name Prophet Odumeje has tendered his unreserved apology to the people of Arondizuogu and Pericoma family in Imo State over the hurtful statements he made about their traditional belief, DAILY POST learned.
The clergyman who also goes by the alias ‘Liquid metal’ in a viral video described the people of Arondizuogu as fetish while in another video attacked a dead prominent man from the community known as Pericoma
Odumeje said that the Awka people’s masquerade festival, Egwu Imo Awka, is a fetish and a means of worshiping monkeys, which is the symbol of the god, according to reports.
In the videos, Odumeje claimed he would kill the monkey worshipped by the Awka people.
However, in a new press release signed by the famous pastor, and made available to Daily POST on Saturday morning, he took back the statements made against these parties and apologized to the two towns, stating that he had watched and found his own videos on them hurtful.
His statement reads thus:
“My attention has been drawn to publications on social media over the alleged face-off among me and the good people of Awka and Arondizuogu communities in Anambra and the Imo States, respectively.
“In the said post, I was portrayed as declaring war on the people of these communities and their respective traditional festivals and beliefs. It was also alleged that I had vowed to destroy Imo-Awka Festival and put a stop to the Ikeji Festival of Arondizuogu.
“Consequent upon the above, I wish to acknowledge that the people of Awka and Arondizuigu communities are peace-loving, and I have over the years come to share fellowship and service in church with many of them.
“Awka and Arondizuogu communities have produced great men and women of integrity and pedigree and have always remained at the top of great sons and daughters of Igboland.
“Against this backdrop and with humility, I sincerely apologize to the great people of the two communities. To the entire people of Igboland, and to elders for my utterances. I will not make any attempt to justify my statement as even I can see that it’s hurtful in all its ramifications.
“I also want to especially apologize to the family of Mazi Pericoma of Arondizuogu, who I understand until his passing was a diligent servant (Evangelist) of God. I apologize and put in on record that this experience has taught me that words that speak any form of divisive conversation amongst our people must be checked. This is time for unity, love, and unwavering support for one another.
“Similarly, I lend my voice to the directives of the Federal and State government in observing all the COVID-19 protocols. while we wait on the Lord for the end of the pandemic.” He concluded.
