The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and the family of Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro have jointly denounced reports making the rounds on social media claiming the Ohanaeze chieftain died while receiving treatment in France.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was falsely reported by an online blog to have passed on in France.
The claim has since sparked strong reactions from both his family and the Ohanaeze youth leadership.
In a press release on Sunday, the Ohanaeze Youth Council and the Isiguzoro family described the circulating report as not only false but “satanic.”
Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, in a statement to journalists, warned that karma awaits those behind the fabricated story.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is alive, hale and hearty.
“The rumoured death is a handiwork of those who desire evil, but evil will visit them soon.
“I urge Nigerians to ignore the wicked and satanic rumour as Isiguzoro is bouncing and doing his job. They cannot distract them. The evil they wished him will come back to them,” Okwu stated.
Also reacting to the false narrative, the Isiguzoro family, through a statement signed by Dr. Chiedozie Isiguzoro (Dozzy), spokesperson for the family, and Nze Eze Isiguzoro, the traditional head of the Isiguzoro clan, issued a firm rebuttal.
“The illustrious Family of Isiguzoro Onyike Okereke Enyi, hailing from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, feels it is imperative to make an unequivocal statement to address the wholly unfounded and malicious rumors currently circulating about the supposed demise of our esteemed kin, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a prominent Ohanaeze Chieftain and the Deputy President General.
“In the strongest possible terms, we unequivocally condemn the fabricated narratives surrounding Mazi Isiguzoro’s health and wellbeing. Contrary to the baseless assertions suggesting that he has passed away or is receiving treatment at Hospital Ranguiel Toulouse in France, we assert with complete confidence that Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro is not only alive but is also recuperating effectively in a secure and confidential location outside of France. It is regrettable that certain individuals, motivated by envy and malice, would stoop to such egregious acts of disinformation.
“Let it be known to the architects of this fabricative narrative that Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro shall attend the memorial services of those who have orchestrated this deceitful campaign against him. He will personally sign their condolence registers, signifying his moral superiority over their treachery.
“The perpetrators of this baseless rumor are forewarned; they cannot elude the relentless judgment of karma. They will undoubtedly reap the consequences of their insidious actions.
“This announcement serves as a conclusive warning to all involved: The Isiguzoro Family will not countenance any further attempts to propagate malicious propaganda against our illustrious son, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro. Any future endeavors to instigate such unfounded rumors will be met with decisive legal action, wherein we will pursue the full extent of the law in order to protect our family’s integrity and reputation.
“We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Igbo community and all well-wishers who have stood in solidarity with the Isiguzoro Family during these trying times. Your prayers and unwavering support are invaluable to us, and we appreciate your efforts to counteract the wave of falsehoods that have threatened our family’s honour,” the statement read.
The family and Ohanaeze youth body have, therefore, urged the public to disregard the misleading report and remain steadfast in their support for Mazi Isiguzoro.
