Oseloka Obi, the son of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has reacted to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality following the circulation of photos showing him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa earlier this week.
The images, which surfaced online on Wednesday, captured Oseloka and Okwesa sitting in close proximity at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, triggering widespread online gossip and speculation.
In a comprehensive statement, Oseloka refuted the allegations, describing them as malicious fabrications fueled by his father’s active role in Nigerian politics.
He further explained that although he usually avoids responding to such claims, the persistent spread of these baseless rumours made it necessary for him to issue a clarification.
“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.
“To assume that my life or choices are somehow political statements is a flawed and childish calculation. It reveals more about the pettiness of those spreading such narratives than it does about me or my father,” he said.
Oseloka, a professional actor, further addressed misunderstandings about his career choices, pointing out that even though his father has a background as a businessman and economist, he decided to pursue a different path in theatre and filmmaking. He dismissed suggestions of nepotism, stating: “I was raised to know that my father’s wealth is not mine, and that I must build my own life.”
“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.
Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.
“The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.
He further stressed that neither he nor his father is without flaws, but affirmed his father’s integrity and dedication to Nigeria’s progress.
“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”
Oseloka called on Nigerians to shift their focus away from baseless gossip and towards addressing the critical socio-economic issues confronting the nation.
“Our nation still struggles with insecurity, a weakened economy, crumbling infrastructure, failing healthcare, and politicians who steal from the people they swore to serve. And yet, for some, the priority is to spread gossip about who Peter Obi’s son appears with in a photo. This is a distraction from the real crises that matter to all Nigerians.”
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the core values he has embraced since childhood: honesty, diligence, and serving others.
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