In Owerri, it was stated by Peter Obi's media aide that El-Rufai did not receive booing during their appearance.

Nasir El-Rufai, a past governor of Kaduna State, denies reports suggesting he was publicly shamed by demonstrators in Owerri, the city that serves as Imo State's capital.

, and Administrator

2025 September 16 . 2:41 AM

2 min read

In Owerri, Peter Obi and El-Rufai Avoided Audience Boos According to Media Advisor

In Owerri, it was stated by Peter Obi's media aide that El-Rufai did not receive booing during their appearance.

In the vibrant city of Owerri, Imo State, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, graced the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture held at the Assumpta Cathedral. The event, marked by an atmosphere of intellectual discourse, saw El-Rufai's seamless arrival and departure without any reported incidents.

Before the lecture commenced, it was announced that Peter Obi, an erstwhile presidential candidate, would not be in attendance. Obi had notified El-Rufai early on Saturday morning of his intention to take some rest.

Upon arriving at the venue, El-Rufai was warmly received by the leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri. He was led to his seat where he sat next to His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Ugochi. El-Rufai was also introduced to the lecturer of the day, Revd. Sister Prof. Evangeline Tochukwu Talia Oparaocha.

During the lecture, there were no reports of booing directed towards either Peter Obi or Nasir El-Rufai, a claim that Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai's media adviser, swiftly dismissed in a subsequent statement. No audiovisual evidence of a booing episode has emerged because it did not happen.

However, it was reported that a person present at the lecture spread the news about an alleged ceremonial scandal involving Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi. These claims have not been substantiated and remain unverified.

Despite the unfounded rumours, the event proceeded smoothly, with the guest lecturer joining a procession led by Archbishop Ugochi and Revd. Sister Prof. Evangeline Oparaocha to deliver the Odenigbo Lecture.

In conclusion, Nasir El-Rufai's visit to Owerri for the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture was uneventful, with no reported incidents or booing episodes. Peter Obi, on the other hand, chose to rest, missing the intellectual gathering in Imo State.