“I Will Not Tarnish a 40-Year Legacy”- Owie Rejects Attack Allegations

A former Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Rowland Owie, has firmly denied any involvement in the violent attacks that disrupted a political gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, Edo State.

The incidents occurred on Wednesday at the ADC Secretariat along Ogbelaka Road and at the residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Reservation Road.

The meeting had drawn several prominent political figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Edo State governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Owie, and other ADC leaders. The gathering was held to formally receive the 2024 Edo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Olumide Akpata, into the ADC.

According to reports, suspected gunmen stormed the ADC secretariat shortly after the event, opening fire and injuring three party members while also vandalising property. The attackers reportedly proceeded to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where they shot sporadically and damaged several vehicles parked nearby.

Reacting to allegations circulating in some quarters that he sponsored or encouraged the attacks, Senator Owie dismissed the claims as false and defamatory.

“In all my political life since 1979, when I was first elected into the House of Representatives, I have never been associated with violence,” he said. “My political journey has been anchored on dialogue, legislative responsibility, and service. I will not destroy a four-decade legacy.”

He described as “illogical and insulting” any suggestion that he would orchestrate an attack on a meeting attended by respected figures, including Chief Odigie-Oyegun and Mr. Obi.

The senator further stressed that he maintains zero tolerance for violence and reiterated that the ADC remains committed to peaceful political engagement.

He called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika and other security agencies to investigate those responsible for the disruption rather than entertain what he described as fabricated accusations.

Meanwhile, Chief Odigie-Oyegun had earlier linked the attack to remarks reportedly made by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who allegedly warned that Mr. Obi must obtain permission before visiting the state.

However, other observers have connected the violence to an earlier incident that occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. On that day, Senator Owie and some ADC leaders were reportedly denied access to a meeting at the premises. The group protested by barricading the entrance gate until security operatives from the Edo State Police Command intervened and persuaded them to disperse.

Those involved in the earlier protest were also present at Wednesday’s political gathering prior to the attacks.

Security agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incidents as of press time.