By Abiola Olawale
Family members of Chief Leemon Ikpea, a billionaire Oil magnate and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group of companies have pleaded his estranged wife to respect the decision of Leemon to divorce her (Agnes Ikpea) as an estranged wife, noting it is a purely private matter.
Following the judgement of Honourable Justice Joseph Itsebaga Acha, of the Edo State High Court, granting the application of dissolution made by Chief Ikpea, some have expressed concern on the filing of the divorce application at the high court in Benin, Edo State.
Some narratives have been making the rounds that Ikpea, unilaterally evicted his estranged wife, Agnes, from their home in Lagos. However, friends and associates of Ikpea had dismissed the reports making rounds, adding that Leemon Ikpea appropriately sought and obtained necessary procedures to divorce his estranged wife.
Family members further urged that the public should not to listen to only one side of the narrative, but also “respect the wishes and decision of our father and brother to pursue a permanent separation and divorce from his estranged wife, Agnes.”
The family members, friends and associates disclosed this on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
According to the family members, Ikpea, who is also the Adolor of Ewatto, Esan, Edo State, is a dignified, respected and accomplished family man who has raised all six children, born by Agnes, adding that he is an accomplished business man.
“Such choices and decisions must no doubt be painful and difficult, but decisions have to be made and respected by all parties. A situation where one party tends to play to the gallery and seek public attention is uncalled for.
“Chief Leemon Ikpea, the patriarch of our family is a very private, God-fearing and conscientious father who cares for all family members, relations, community members, etc. We therefore plead that the matter should be left as a private matter, and the media is enjoined to respect it as a deeply private matter,” the family members said.
