In Owerre-Ezukala, talk is spreading faster than cement. A voice note on social media claimed the Eke Owerre-Ezukala Modern Market had been abandoned after the murder of the community’s son, Rt. Hon. Arch. Francis Ibeh. But in the Office of the Executive Mayor, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, the story is different. Work stopped, yes. But not because the project was forgotten. It stopped because a man who fought to bring it home was killed, reports Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Office of the Executive Mayor of Orumba South Local Government Area says it has taken note of the concerns raised by critical stakeholders and supporters from Owerre-Ezukala Community regarding the market.
The concerns followed a voice note currently circulating online alleging that construction of the Eke Owerre-Ezukala Modern Market had been abandoned following the tragic death of the late Rt. Hon. Arch. Francis Ibeh, former Leader of the Orumba South Legislative Council.
The Council wishes to state categorically that this claim is false, misleading, and does not reflect the true position of the Council.
The late Rt. Hon. Francis Ibeh was gruesomely murdered on 8 November 2025 while carrying out his civic responsibilities.
He was instrumental in attracting the landmark project to Owerre-Ezukala. His vision, the Council said, turned what was once an idea into a structure now rising in the community.
His untimely demise left the Council and the entire Orumba South deeply saddened. In light of that, it was considered only appropriate to honour his memory with a period of mourning.
The temporary pause in the execution of the project was therefore a deliberate decision. It was taken out of respect for the late legislative leader.
“It was never an indication that the project had been abandoned or forgotten,” the Mayor’s office stated. “On the contrary, the administration of Hon. Shedrack Azubuike remains unwavering in its commitment to completing the Eke Owerre-Ezukala Modern Market.”
The successful completion of the project will serve a purpose beyond commerce. It will stand as a lasting monument to the life, service, and sacrifices of the late Rt. Hon. Arch. Francis Ibeh.
In that way, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, long after the stalls are filled and the market gates open daily.
The Executive Mayor therefore urges the good people of Owerre-Ezukala and the entire Orumba South Local Government Area to disregard the unfounded rumours. He asked them to remain confident in the Council’s commitment to grassroots development.
He further appealed to residents to support security agencies by embracing the Anambra State Government’s security mantra, “If You See Something, Say Something,” as consistently advocated by His Excellency, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.
“Any useful information capable of assisting in bringing the perpetrators of the late Rt. Hon. Francis Ibeh’s murder to justice should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities,” the Mayor said.
“Together, we shall honour his memory not only by seeking justice but also by completing the transformational project he worked so hard to bring to his people,” he concluded.
