A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie, has denied involvement in Tuesday’s attack on the party’s Edo State secretariat and the residence of its national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun.
The secretariat, located on Ogbelaka Street off Sokponba Road in Benin City, was attacked hours after the 2024 governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, was formally received into the ADC by Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other party leaders.
The event at the secretariat was said to have been proceeding peacefully before party leaders were alerted to an imminent attack, prompting them to quickly conclude the programme.
According to eyewitnesses, suspected gunmen later stormed the premises, firing sporadically and destroying chairs, canopies, banners and other property. Some party members reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.
The attackers also proceeded to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where a meeting involving Obi and other party stakeholders was ongoing. Gunshots were reportedly fired, and vehicles parked near the gate were damaged.
Dignitaries, including Obi, Akpata and former Edo State governor, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, were said to be inside the residence at the time.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, Owie distanced himself from the violence, describing allegations linking him to the attack as false and insulting.
“In all my political life since 1979, when I was first elected into the House of Representatives, I have never been involved in violent politics. I have built a career in dialogue, legislative integrity and service. I would not begin to tarnish a four-decade legacy now,” he said.
“To suggest I would sponsor an attack on a gathering where my own brother, Chief Oyegun, and respected colleagues like Peter Obi were present is not just a lie — it is an insult to the intelligence of the Edo people.”
The development followed a protest on Monday by some party chieftains led by Owie over their alleged exclusion from a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
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Meanwhile, the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, accused the All Progressives Congress of being behind the attack.
However, the APC chairman in the state, Jarret Tenebe, denied the allegation, blaming the incident on internal factions within the ADC.
The Edo State Police Command said it had commenced investigation into the attacks.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that no arrest had been made.
“Investigation has already been started by the police. No arrest has been made as at now, and we will communicate to you as the investigation progresses,” she said.