It may not be the best of times for former Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State President, Chief Solomon Aguene, following explosive allegations of a N40 million electoral fraud and claims that he has been dragged to “deadly shrines” in the Southeast by an embittered aspirant.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Chief Emmanuel Ubah, popularly known as Otunba Ojoto, one of the candidates who contested and lost the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State presidency, has accused Aguene of orchestrating an elaborate scam that allegedly cost him over N40 million.
Chief Ubah alleged that Aguene promised to hand him the reins of power as Ohanaeze President in Lagos, convinced him to join the race, and then systematically exploited him financially. He described the entire arrangement as a “scam” that left him drained and sidelined.
In series of viral voice notes now circulating across social media platforms, Ubah claimed that he was deceived, financially exploited, and ultimately edged out of the contest by what he called a “dreaded cabal” loyal to Aguene and based in Ikeja.
Beyond the direct payments, Ubah further alleged that Aguene introduced him to two men — Igor Okparanma and Okey — who were presented as Personal Assistants to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata. He said the duo was used to extort millions from him under the false pretence of bribing Senator Mbata to secure a favourable judgment recognizing Aguene’s consent judgment.
Ubah claimed the two men lodged in a hotel for over two months, racking up accommodation bills exceeding N6 million which he paid, alongside other expenses for feeding and entertainment. He said the costs were framed as necessary to “process” his emergence as president.
An embittered Ubah recounted that his ordeal began when Aguene approached him with the assurances of a smooth handover of Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership in Lagos. He said Aguene facilitated introductions to prominent Igbo stakeholders, business leaders, and political figures, during which he was repeatedly pressured to fund hospitality, gifts, and consultations. These included rams, expensive wines, spirits, and cash gifts to various individuals.
He further alleged that he spent millions restocking Aguene’s residence and office with beverages and financing regular gatherings of local government chairmen loyal to Aguene. As the election drew closer, Ubah said he was compelled to release N3 million for “traditional rites” and another N2 million purportedly for delegates across 57 local government areas. He also claimed to have financed moves to secure endorsements for Aguene’s leadership structure, including dealings tied to a court-backed arrangement.
In one of the major striking claims, Ubah recalled an incident at an Ikoyi hotel, where he allegedly spent over N1 million entertaining individuals introduced as key stakeholders and representatives, whom he later described as “questionable”. He also alleged that Aguene advised him to sell his hotel property in the Otto-Awori area of Lagos for N10 million to fund his ambition, insisting that victory depended on such financial commitments.
Despite the huge expenditures, Ubah said he was eventually edged out of the race through what he described as a “highly coordinated rigging process”. He expressed shock that another contestant, whom he called “Oba Ojoto” and described as Aguene’s associate, was introduced into the race after allegedly collecting funds from him as well. Lamenting that Aguene “drained him and dumped him” to support another candidate. Ubah said he has issued an ultimatum for a full refund. With the deadline having elapsed, he claimed he has dragged Aguene to traditional shrines in the Southeast to recover his money. As at press time, Chief Solomon Aguene had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Chief Solomon Aguene could not be reached on his known phone number for reactions as at the time of filing this report.