Tension flared in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday as protesters stormed the Assumpta Cathedral to oppose the presence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who was billed to deliver the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture.
El-Rufai, who arrived in the state on Friday, had earlier paid courtesy visits to political, religious and traditional leaders, including the traditional ruler of Nekede Autonomous Community, Eze Stephen Kemjika Agumanu IV, and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Nnaemeka Maduagwu.
He was also seen in a private meeting with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside some Social Democratic Party leaders.
At the cathedral, the former governor met with Catholic Archdiocese leaders ahead of the lecture.
But outside the venue, a crowd of residents staged a demonstration, chanting slogans and waving placards denouncing his visit.
Viral videos from the protest showed the group accusing El-Rufai of past anti-Igbo remarks and questioning his political intentions in the state.
Their leader, whose name was not disclosed, declared: “Imo people have gathered here to reject in totality Nasir El-Rufai’s presence and to caution Mr Peter Obi for consistently trying to deceive Imo people.”