Otolokpo Community Declares Former Ika Weekly Staff Wanted Over Alleged Homosexuality
The ancient kingdom of Otolokpo in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, has declared a former staff member of Ika Weekly, Gideon Mariochukwu, wanted over allegations of homosexual practices. According to Ika Weekly, the matter dates back to October 24, 2023.
Reports indicate that the spokesperson of the Otolokpo community, Mr. Innocent Okechukwu, said Mariochukwu is being sought by the community following allegations brought against him by Andrew and Obinna, sons of his late uncle, Monday Okuku.
The two reportedly accused Mariochukwu of having knowledge related to the death of their father, who died seven years ago, and also raised allegations concerning an alleged same-sex relationship.
According to the community spokesperson, the dispute escalated after a meeting convened by the late Monday Okuku’s lawyer to read his will, during which Mariochukwu was named as one of the beneficiaries.
Andrew and Obinna were quoted as saying that their late father’s lawyer informed them that Mariochukwu was included in the will as a beneficiary. They further alleged that their father had expressed a desire to transfer part of his property to Mariochukwu in appreciation for keeping confidential certain personal matters.
The brothers stated that they had asked Mariochukwu to appear before the community to swear an oath affirming that he had no involvement in their father’s death and denying the allegations against him.
They said this would help resolve the lingering dispute surrounding the sharing of their late father’s property, of which Mariochukwu is reportedly a beneficiary.
Mr. Okechukwu further stated that the property dispute involving Andrew, Obinna, and their cousin, Gideon Mariochukwu, was brought before the community in August 2023.
He alleged that Mariochukwu repeatedly ignored invitations to appear before community elders and traditional authorities for oath-taking to clear himself of the accusations.
“Otolokpo Kingdom has mandated me to speak to the press and make public the search for Gideon Mariochukwu,” Okechukwu said.
He added that the community initially regarded the allegations as mere accusations until security operatives reportedly visited the area in search of Mariochukwu following statements allegedly made by a suspect arrested at Benin Airport in Edo State on September 29, 2023.
According to Okechukwu, the suspect allegedly identified Mariochukwu as one of his partners during interrogation.
The community spokesperson also said that, in line with local customs, Mariochukwu would be required to undergo traditional cleansing rites if found.
A source within the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the traditional rituals associated with such accusations are severe and potentially life-threatening.
The source further alleged that Mariochukwu has gone into hiding and is also wanted by the police at the Owa-Oyibu Divisional Headquarters in Ika North East.
Efforts to independently verify these claims or obtain Mariochukwu’s response were unsuccessful as of press time.
