“Mbieri People Donated Land to T.O.S. Benson for a Post Office” — Okey Ikechukwu Responds to Abati’s Claims

Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, has addressed comments made by Reuben Abati regarding land ownership practices in Nigeria’s south-east region. Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, recently stated on Arise TV’s The Morning Show that Igbos generally do not sell land to non-indigenes. He referenced an anecdote involving the late Theophilus Oladipo Sobowale (TOS) Benson, a former minister of information in Nigeria’s first post-independence government.

Abati recounted how Benson, despite being married to a woman from the south-east, was allegedly unable to purchase land in the region. Instead, Abati claimed that Benson faced challenges acquiring property due to his status as an “outsider.” These comments stirred significant debate on social media, with some agreeing with Abati’s interpretation of Igbo customs, while others criticized him for discussing such a sensitive topic.

Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Ikechukwu offered a contrasting narrative. He clarified that Benson’s in-laws in Mbieri, Imo State, had gifted him land, which he later used to build a post office. According to Ikechukwu, the donation exemplifies a gesture of goodwill rather than exclusion or bias. He suggested that Abati’s remarks, while quoting Benson accurately, may not have fully captured the context of the event.

“Reuben Abati was reporting what he heard from TOS Benson. He was not presenting it as his personal opinion but rather sharing an anecdote. However, it’s important to critically examine whether the statement was factually accurate,” Ikechukwu stated.

He elaborated on the situation, emphasizing that Benson’s in-laws, alongside the broader Mbieri community, not only welcomed him but also contributed to his efforts in developing the area. “The Mbieri people donated land to TOS Benson. He used the land, at his discretion, to construct a post office for the community, and the structure still stands to this day,” Ikechukwu said.

While acknowledging that Abati’s intention was not to mislead, Ikechukwu encouraged a reexamination of such narratives to ensure they reflect the full scope of historical events. He noted that Abati’s comments, though likely well-intentioned, may have unintentionally painted a picture of exclusion that does not align with the spirit of generosity shown by Benson’s in-laws and the Mbieri people.