Akwa Ibom Governor’s Daughter Accuses Him of Sacrificing Late First Lady, Alleges Threat to Life
In a dramatic and deeply unsettling development, Jane Edidiong Ufot, daughter of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has publicly accused her father of orchestrating the death of her mother, the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Oluwakemi Umo Eno. The First Lady died in September 2024 after what was officially described as a prolonged but undisclosed illness. However, this narrative has now been rocked by explosive allegations from within the governor’s own household.
In a tearful and emotionally intense video posted on social media on May 30, Jane Ufot accused her father of using her mother as a “sacrifice”—a term that suggests ritualistic or metaphysical undertones in the context of Nigerian spiritual and cultural discourse. Her claims have ignited national attention and triggered a political firestorm in Akwa Ibom State, with implications reaching into the corridors of power in Abuja.
“I’m not a sacrifice. Mummy was, but I’m not,” Jane declared passionately. “If I die today or my daughter dies… If we die because God is exposing the truth, so be it. But my blood will not go scot-free.”
She made these statements while visibly distressed and holding her daughter during what appeared to be a live video stream. She alleged that both she and her young daughter were being threatened and implicated a potential plot against their lives.
One of the most gut-wrenching moments came when Ms. Ufot handed the phone to her daughter during what was reportedly a video call with the governor. She instructed the child to ask a haunting question:
“So, Grandpa, do you want them to kill us? Do you want them to die like my baby brother died?”
The governor, who was reportedly on the other end of the call, offered no audible response. His silence, combined with the gravity of the allegations, has further deepened public intrigue and anxiety over what could be transpiring behind the veil of political power and family loyalty.
The full context of the video remains unclear, but its emotional and rhetorical power has already reverberated across media platforms, raising questions about the stability and integrity of leadership in Akwa Ibom State.
Jane Ufot is not an outsider to government affairs. Until recently, she held a senior appointment in the Akwa Ibom government as Senior Special Adviser on Health, Safety and Environment, a role she was reportedly relieved of after her growing estrangement from the family became public knowledge in late 2024.
While there has been no confirmed report that she was sacked, the decision to replace her role in the First Lady’s office with her half-sister, Helen Eno-Obareki, sparked speculation about internal family conflict and a reconfiguration of power within the Governor’s inner circle following the First Lady’s death.
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In October 2024, Governor Umo Eno appointed Helen Eno-Obareki to coordinate activities of the Office of the First Lady, prompting backlash on social media. The Governor’s office released a statement at the time clarifying that the role was strictly administrative and did not imply that she was to be addressed as “First Lady.”
The allegations made by Ms. Ufot go beyond familial grievance; they carry potentially devastating implications. Accusations of ritual sacrifice in Nigerian political discourse often evoke the country’s complex interplay between politics, spirituality, and public perception. While there is no public evidence to support the claims of ritual activity or conspiracy, the emotional force of the video has ignited widespread debate and suspicion.
Governor Umo Eno, who has often presented himself as a cleric and spiritual leader, particularly in his pastoral work with the All Nations Christian Ministry International, has built much of his political persona around moral rectitude and service to God. These allegations strike at the very heart of that image.
As of the time of this report, all efforts to obtain an official statement from Governor Umo Eno or his media team have been unsuccessful. Calls and messages to his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, went unanswered. Multiple aides have refused to comment, with some reportedly “shocked” by the video.
Political analysts are closely watching how the government will respond, noting that the silence may further fuel speculation. A senior source in the Akwa Ibom State government, speaking anonymously, stated:
“We saw the video like everyone else. This is a family matter, and we are concerned, but it’s too early to draw conclusions.”
The late First Lady, Pastor Patience Oluwakemi Umo Eno, was known for her charitable work and advocacy for women’s empowerment. Her death in September 2024 came as a shock to many, given her active presence in state functions just weeks prior. She was widely respected for her spiritual leadership and was frequently seen alongside her husband at both political and religious events.
The official cause of death was never fully disclosed, leading to some murmurs of concern even at the time of her passing. However, the narrative was largely unchallenged until the recent video by her daughter.
The timing of this family crisis is significant. Governor Eno, elected in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has recently been making overtures toward the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning himself with national figures like President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In his May 29 speech marking his second year in office, he hinted at a possible political defection by saying, “I love the PDP, but it’s time to progressively move.” The governor’s ambiguous remarks sparked speculation about his loyalty, but with this latest development, the political terrain around him has become even more volatile.
The public response has been swift and polarized. On social media, some users have come to Jane Ufot’s defense, applauding her courage in speaking out. Others accuse her of attempting to damage her father’s reputation for personal or political gain.
Human rights organizations and child advocacy groups have raised concerns about the emotional involvement of her young daughter in the video. Legal experts are already debating the ethical and psychological implications of involving a minor in such serious accusations.
Prominent social commentator, Aisha Yesufu, tweeted:
“Whatever the truth is, this is a sad moment for our country. We must protect children, demand accountability, and not allow silence to cover injustice.”
What Next?
As this story continues to unfold, many questions remain unanswered:
- What were the circumstances surrounding the First Lady’s illness and death?
- Are Jane Ufot’s accusations grounded in verifiable facts?
- Will the governor issue a formal response?
- What is the status of the safety of Ms. Ufot and her daughter?
In the coming days, the nation will watch closely as this deeply personal yet politically charged story develops. The truth, as always, may be complex—but what is clear is that the silence must soon be broken.
