Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo has publicly addressed claims that she forcibly seized a widow’s property in Ngwo, Enugu State.
There were claims on social media at the weekend that the thespian seized a piece of land belonging to the widow because the latter had no male child to inherit the property.
OzokwoI clarified the matter in a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday.
She said: “I am deeply saddened by the false and malicious accusations being spread against me.
“I have never, and will never, use my influence or status to dispossess anyone of their rightful inheritance — especially not a widow.”
The movie star claimed that the conflict was a result of a long-standing family land dispute that is being twisted and manipulated by outside individuals with personal grievances.
“This is not about gender or power,” she added. “It’s about a contested piece of ancestral land, and all due processes are being followed by the family heads and elders. Turning this into a campaign against my character is deeply unfair.”
‘‘In 2010 – 15 years ago, I bought a piece of land.
‘‘The land owner was aware of the sale. In fact, she was the one who approached my agent to help her find a buyer
‘’Fast forward last year, 14 years later. The previous owner decided it was a great idea to sell a plot out of my land without my knowledge.
‘‘I got information, went and fenced my land.
‘‘Next thing I see, the owner and her daughter on social media crying and accusing me of taking the only land their husband and father left them.
‘‘This is blackmail, fraud and malicious intent. I am marvelled that they could viciously lie and castigate me for their own selfish intent. They are using my name to trend and get pity from people. I see that their plans are working because some people are donating to them and calling me unprintable names.
‘’As social media is not a court, I am pursuing legal means to vindicate my name because it took years to build and is my source of livelihood. There is so much more that I could have done, but I chose to let the law take its cause.
‘‘I am disappointed that some other bloggers reposted and shared the content without due diligence. Now I say to you “Meet Me in Court”.
‘‘Thank you to everyone who reached out to me on this incident. I appreciate you all.’’
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