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Bianca Ojukwu Reflects on the Slap She Gave Former Anambra State First Lady at Public Event

On March 17, 2022, what began as a celebratory political event at the inauguration of Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo quickly turned into a dramatic and unforgettable moment. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, recently took to social media to reflect on the infamous incident where she slapped the former First Lady of Anambra State, Ebele Obiano, in front of numerous dignitaries and attendees.

In a post on Instagram, Bianca shared a video from the scene, reflecting on the shocking incident with a mixture of humor and hindsight. What was intended to be a political celebration at the inauguration ceremony soon became a public spectacle after a confrontation between Bianca and Mrs. Obiano.

The altercation began when Mrs. Obiano approached Bianca’s seat at the event, hurling insults at her. Things escalated when Mrs. Obiano allegedly placed her hand on Bianca, prompting a defensive response from the Minister. Without hesitation, Bianca stood up and slapped Mrs. Obiano, which sent shockwaves through the crowd. The incident was widely discussed across social media and the political circles, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the inauguration.

As Bianca recalled the incident, she posted the video from the scene, adding a cryptic yet pointed caption to her Instagram. In her post, she wrote:

“NEVER TURN YOUR LAST DAY IN OFFICE INTO A PAINFUL EXIT… As the saying goes, ‘Pink butterflies, especially those with oversized wings or inflated egos must never fly too dangerously close to the flame.’ Exactly on this day, 17th March, in 2022, a certain individual under the influence decided to put this adage to the test. I jejely dey for my small corner o. Trouble dey sleep.”

The post revealed a layer of sarcasm and perhaps some reflection on the altercation. Bianca’s words alluded to her being a passive participant until provoked, while the reference to “pink butterflies” seemed to suggest someone with a fragile ego who might have overstepped her bounds. While Bianca’s remarks were indirect, they clearly hinted at the person involved and the circumstances of the altercation.

To understand the tension that led to Bianca Ojukwu’s reaction, it’s important to examine the political climate in Anambra State at the time. Ebele Obiano, wife of former Governor Willie Obiano, had been an influential figure in the state, particularly during her husband’s tenure as governor. The Obianos, who had been in power for eight years, were seen as a dominant political force, especially within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). However, the inauguration of Governor Charles Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marked a new political era for Anambra.

Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, had been a vocal critic of the Obiano administration and had aligned herself with the opposition in the state. The political tension between the Obianos and Bianca had been brewing for some time, and their relationship had often been publicly contentious.

At the inauguration of Governor Soludo, Bianca was in attendance as a high-profile guest, and her presence at the event was significant due to her political background and her influence in the state. Mrs. Obiano, on the other hand, had just completed her tenure as First Lady, and her emotions may have been running high as she faced the transition from power.

As the two women were at the same event, the scene was charged with a mix of political rivalries and personal tensions. According to reports, Mrs. Obiano approached Bianca at the event and began hurling insults, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when she allegedly touched Bianca. This was the tipping point for Bianca, who responded by standing up and slapping Mrs. Obiano.

The slap, though shocking to many who witnessed it, wasn’t just a moment of physical confrontation. Bianca’s recent social media post reflects a deeper, more philosophical reflection on the incident. Her choice of words in her caption—”NEVER TURN YOUR LAST DAY IN OFFICE INTO A PAINFUL EXIT”—suggests that she saw the altercation as a metaphor for a broader political message.

The phrase also suggests a sense of finality for Mrs. Obiano’s public life, as she was no longer in office. By choosing to engage in a confrontation on the day of Governor Soludo’s inauguration, Mrs. Obiano may have inadvertently ensured that her departure from public office was marked by drama rather than grace. Bianca’s comment about “pink butterflies” alludes to someone who might have a fragile or inflated sense of self-importance, which is perceived as dangerous when provoked.

For Bianca, the slap may have represented an assertion of dignity and self-respect in the face of a provocation. It’s clear from her reflection that she was caught off guard by Mrs. Obiano’s actions, which led to her decision to stand up for herself. While the event was dramatic, Bianca’s social media post implies that she had little choice but to react when faced with a confrontation that crossed a personal boundary.

The slap made waves in Anambra State and across the political sphere. Many were taken aback by the dramatic altercation, especially given the presence of numerous political dignitaries and the fact that it occurred during the inauguration of a new governor. The moment was captured in a video that circulated widely on social media, leading to a surge of commentary on the situation.

Some viewed Bianca’s response as a justified act of self-defense, while others criticized the spectacle as unbecoming for a public figure, especially at such a significant political event. In the aftermath, there was much debate over the appropriateness of the slap and whether it was a reflection of deeper political tensions. Many saw it as an illustration of the fierce rivalry between Bianca Ojukwu and the Obianos, while others saw it as an example of a woman standing her ground in a tense and volatile political environment.

As Bianca reflects on the incident, her social media post reveals a level of introspection that acknowledges the complexity of the moment. She seems to accept the incident as part of the broader political dynamics at play, but she also underscores the importance of not letting one’s exit from public life be marred by unnecessary drama.

For some, Bianca’s response was seen as an assertion of power, a way to reclaim control in the face of an unwarranted provocation. The public’s reaction to the slap may have reflected the larger public mood of frustration and discontent with the outgoing administration, especially given the fact that the Obianos had been in power for a significant period.

While the slap itself was a dramatic and highly personal moment, it also underscored the broader dynamics of power, ego, and political rivalry in Anambra State. The transition from one administration to another is often fraught with tension, as outgoing officials must contend with the loss of influence and control. For many, the inauguration of Governor Soludo represented a symbolic break from the past, a move away from the dominance of the Obiano family and a new direction for the state.

In this context, the confrontation between Bianca and Mrs. Obiano can be seen as the culmination of years of political competition. Both women have significant political legacies in Anambra, but their differing allegiances and visions for the state have often put them at odds. Bianca’s public support for Governor Soludo and her criticism of the Obiano administration marked her as an outspoken figure in the political opposition.

As the former First Lady of Anambra, Ebele Obiano was an influential public figure, especially during her husband’s tenure as governor. However, the end of that era marked a significant shift in the political dynamics of the state. For Bianca, who has long been a champion of political change and reform, the slap was not just a personal act of defense, but a symbolic moment in a larger political struggle.

The events of March 17, 2022, were not just an isolated incident; they were part of a larger narrative of political power struggles in Anambra State. The inauguration of Governor Soludo marked the beginning of a new era, one in which the old political guard was being challenged by new voices. Bianca Ojukwu’s role in this transition cannot be understated, as her actions and reflections show that she is deeply invested in shaping the political landscape of the state.

As the dust settles on the dramatic moment at the inauguration, Bianca’s post serves as both a reminder and a warning about the volatility of politics. The political terrain is often defined by power struggles, ego clashes, and the desire to assert one’s place in history. For Bianca, the slap was more than just a reaction to an insult—it was a statement of defiance and a refusal to let her dignity be compromised in the face of provocation.

Looking forward, the future of Anambra’s political landscape will likely continue to be shaped by these rivalries and the ongoing efforts of those who seek to influence the direction of the state. The slap, while memorable, was just one moment in a much larger political story that is still unfolding. Bianca Ojukwu’s role in this narrative remains significant, as she continues to reflect on her actions and the broader implications of power, respect, and political change.

Excerpt from Bianca Ojukwu