Protesters gathered outside Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday to oppose the visit of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who was scheduled to deliver this year’s Odenigbo Lecture.
El-Rufai, a prominent but controversial figure in Nigerian politics, had held a series of meetings in the state on Friday with political, traditional, and religious leaders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and leaders of the Social Democratic Party. He also visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Nekede, Eze Stephen Kemjika, before engaging with clerics from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri ahead of the lecture.
But videos circulating on social media showed groups of residents chanting and holding placards at the cathedral gates, accusing El-Rufai of harbouring anti-Igbo sentiments. One protest leader, speaking in the clip, said, “This morning, we are at Assumpta Cathedral, where Imo people have converged in their numbers to reject in totality Nasir El-Rufai’s presence and caution Mr Peter Obi for consistently trying to deceive Imo people.”
Despite the demonstrations, El-Rufai proceeded with his engagements, underscoring the tensions that continue to surround his political profile beyond northern Nigeria.
