An online publisher operating under the titles Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Mr. Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, has issued an apology for circulating numerous reports that defamed Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, alongside his son, Ozonna.
The digital creator put out four separate pieces after a clip of Ozonna went viral, which depicted him grooving to a track that criticized various Nigerian political figures, including his own father.
In one of these articles, Ofoegbu alleged that Governor Soludo claimed to have cut ties with his son years ago and washed his hands of his conduct.
In a different write-up, he asserted that Ozonna gave a statement declaring he was the one who initially cut ties with his father, providing a list of grievances to back up his decision.
Now, via a formal retraction and apology clip uploaded to his platform, Ofoegbu has asked for clemency, conceding that the pieces were entirely manufactured since none of the parties involved had taken part in an interview.
He openly acknowledged creating the fictional narratives in an attempt to make them go viral, hoping to boost traffic to his sites and scale up his ad revenue.
He stated: “I wish to offer my deepest and most sincere apology to Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, his family, and the general public.
“I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue. They did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family, or any official representative. They were not based on any verified facts or credible source, and they should never have been presented as news.”
He added further: “I also apologise to the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who may have seen or shared these false publications. I am committed to correcting this mistake and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again.”
A few of his published taglines stated: “Breaking News: I will arrest anyone who calls Ozo my son. He is not my son. I disowned him years ago, and he is no longer a member of the Soludo family.”
Another one claimed: “Just In: I Don’t Take Advice From My Father. He Was a Drunkard Who Beat My Mom When I Was Young. His Treatment of My Mother Made Me Decide Never to Take Advice From Him — ‘Soludo’s Son’ Speaks Out.”
Two other manufactured titles asserted: “Breaking News: I ordered Ozo from Temu. He is Chinese-made, not my son. Even at the hospital when he was born, I asked the doctor, ‘I hope you didn’t accidentally exchange my real son.’ Ozo is from Temu,” Soludo jokingly told reporters. Another read: “Breaking News: They should organise a drinking competition between my father and Wike. I just want to see something. I’m willing to bet my life that my father would win. People don’t understand his drinking capacity.” — Ozo.
It remains uncertain whether Ofoegbu has been taken into custody by law enforcement, though the apology statement came with a video clip where he looked noticeably shaken while repenting for his conduct.
