Two Onitsha-based traders, Kennedy Mmoya from Anam and Nnamdi Okeke from Nnewi, have made a heartfelt appeal to respected statesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, urging him to honour a business commitment allegedly made on April 5, 2025.
In a joint statement, the traders recounted how Chief Metuh contacted Kennedy Mmoya that day with an urgent request for $7,000 in cash. With Kennedy unavailable to deliver the funds, his associate and fellow trader, Nnamdi Okeke, stepped in and personally delivered the money to Chief Metuh at Anuka Hall, Nnewi.
The transaction, they said, was conducted in good faith, with the understanding that Chief Metuh would send the naira equivalent to Kennedy’s account shortly after. However, several weeks later, they say the agreed payment has yet to be fulfilled, despite numerous reminders through calls and messages.
“We made this transaction based purely on trust and respect for Chief Metuh’s longstanding public image,” they said. “But until now, the naira equivalent—amounting to about N11.34 million at the current exchange rate—has not been sent.”
The traders said they have made every effort to resolve the matter quietly but have received no clear communication in return. They also expressed concern over Chief Metuh’s claim that there were unsettled issues from past dealings, which they insist are untrue and challenged him to come forward with evidence of such outstanding debt if it is true, because all past transactions were conducted through a third party, Samben.
They further stressed that the unresolved payment is now affecting their business operations. “As traders who rely on liquidity and trust, this prolonged delay is disrupting our financial flow with clients and partners,” Kennedy said.
“This appeal is not about pressure or confrontation,” he continued. “It’s a respectful call for an elder we admire to do what is right. Honour and integrity are values we associate with Chief Metuh.”
Nnamdi, who physically delivered the money, added, “I trusted him not just as a public figure but as a brother. I still believe that trust can be upheld.”
The traders are also appealing to the newly elected leadership of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi and well-meaning others to intervene in the matter as a respected community institution that upholds justice, dignity, and transparency.
“We believe Nzuko-Ora has the moral weight to encourage an honourable resolution,” the statement reads. “This is a call for fairness, and above all, for the restoration of mutual respect and accountability.”
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get Chief Olisa Metuh to react to this allegation through phone calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages to his known numbers have not been successful.
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