How Assassins Missed Okonjo-Iweala’s Brother

By Adesina Soyooye

A few years after the mother of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation was kidnapped, alleged assassins, masquerading as thugs went after her brother,

HRM Aninshi Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. He survived by whiskers.

The attack, allegedly, carried  out by cultists, attacked the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and his convoy  when they visited Otulu Ogwashiku-Uku. He, allegedly, was in the community to offer prayers.

A press release signed by  the spokesperson to the Obi, Prince Greg Okwumbu, and made available to newsmen, said the attack on the Obi took place on Friday, September 17, 2021, publicly.

The Obi and his convoy miraculously survived the attack.

The statement  read:

“The Obi and members of the Council of Ogwashi-Uku visited Otulu Ogwashi-Uku Friday, September 17, 2021.

“The visit was largely successful and the Obi met members of the community, prayed with them and discussed with them about the issues.

“At the end of the visit and when the Obi was departing, cultists and thugs imported into Otulu who were aware of the visit attacked members of the entourage who were at the rear of the convoy.

“The thugs also attempted to forcefully seize a gun belonging to a law enforcement member who escorted the Obi on the visit.

“It is important to note that members of the press accompanied the Obi on the visit.

“Also law enforcement agents from the Office of the Area Command and the Brigade Command in Asaba were also there at the visit and witnessed everything that happened.

“The people who sponsored the thugs are known to us and will be brought to justice.”

It is not known, yet, why he was attacked, but controversy engulfed his coronation, even from within the family, on the death of his father, Professor Okonjo who he succeeded as the Obi. The late Professor was Obi Okonjo 1.