Obienyem, who maintained that all the houses in question were duly declared, was reacting to alleged false stories being spread online by those he described as Obi’s detractors that he lied about owning houses in London.

In a statement made available to Realnews on Wednesday, the media adviser to the former Anambra State governor said: “During several media programmes, Mr. Peter Obi said Onitsha was the only place he owned a personal house in Nigeria.

“In an attempt to discredit him, some people are posting his London houses as the much-awaited evidence that he lied.

“First, let it be noted that the issue of having a personal house only in Onitsha is a matter of choice.

“If his lifestyle supports love for houses, Obi can afford to have houses in the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“As for his London houses, it might interest the public to note that he bought his first house in London in 1987.

“All the houses he owned in London were purchased before he became governor of Anambra State and were all duly declared.”

He urged Nigerians and the international community “to disregard false stories being fabricated by detractors who are clutching at straws in their vain bid to demonise Mr. Obi, a proven performer and lover of the masses who is well known for his forthrightness and integrity.”