Eight weeks without my children: Deputy governor’s son’s wife appeals for access

Public Plea Amidst Family Separation

Victoria Okoro, wife of Francis Obila and daughter-in-law to the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, has issued an urgent appeal to her husband and his mother to resolve an eight-week separation from her two young children. Okoro stated that she had maintained silence since June 21, hoping the matter would be resolved through private mediation.

The situation is highlighted by the tender ages of the children involved. At the time of the separation, the second child was barely three months old, while the eldest was one year and six months. Okoro noted that August 17 marked exactly eight weeks since she last had access to her children.

Today, August 17th, will make it eight weeks since I was separated from my children. For the past eight weeks, I have deliberately chosen silence. I have tried to remain calm. I have tried to be respectful of the people involved and their positions. I have tried to resolve this privately and peacefully.

— Victoria Okoro, Wife of Francis Obila

Prioritizing the Welfare of Children

Okoro emphasized that her decision to speak out was prompted by the failure of private negotiations to produce results. She maintained that her primary motivation is the well-being of the children rather than personal grievances or a desire for retribution against her husband’s family.

The mother argued that children should not be forced to bear the consequences of adult disagreements. She expressed that despite the difficulty of the situation, she has chosen to forgive those involved to facilitate a path forward that includes the presence of both parents in the children's lives.

There are two innocent children at the centre of this situation. Children who did not ask for any of this. Children who should not have to bear the consequences of whatever disagreement exists between the adults in their lives. They deserve the love, presence and care of both their parents.

— Victoria Okoro, Wife of Francis Obila

Ultimatum for Resolution

While advocating for a peaceful settlement, Okoro cautioned that her patience should not be misinterpreted. She issued a direct appeal to her husband, Francis Obila, and his mother, Hon Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, requesting immediate access and custody of the infants.

She has provided a one-week window for the parties involved to reach a private agreement. Should this period pass without progress, Okoro indicated she would begin a public series detailing the events that led to the current separation. She clarified that any such disclosures would be a statement of her experience rather than an attempt to damage reputations.

I am giving this one more week for us to resolve this privately and peacefully. If nothing changes after that, I will have no choice but to begin sharing, in a series, the events and circumstances that have brought us to this point.

— Victoria Okoro, Wife of Francis Obila

Broader Implications and Stakeholders

The dispute involves several individuals in Ebonyi State. Alongside her husband and the Deputy Governor, Okoro named Leo Ekene Oketa, Joseph Ugochukwu Onwe, Vivian Obila Akwuaka, and Peace Egwu Obila Inya as relevant parties to the situation.

As of the time of the statement, no response has been provided by Francis Obila or the other named individuals. The allegations remain unverified, but the case continues to raise significant questions regarding the rights of young children in domestic disputes. Okoro concluded by reiterating her demand for fairness and justice for her children.