Alarmed by the claim of Chief Alex Ubaka Achebe that he was related to the legendary Nigerian writer, Prof Chinua Achebe and had founded the Achebe Hope Foundation to cater to the needs of indigent students, orphans and widows, the Chinua Achebe Estate, the recognised custodians of the Achebe legacy, has stated that Chief Alex Achebe was unknown to the Chinua Achebe family and should stop using his name in connection with the Achebe Hope Foundation.

In a recent story published by Daily Sun, Ubaka said the Achebe Hope Foundation was going to focus on assisting indigent students. “We would cater for the widows. We know times are hard, so we’re moving to hospitals to pay for medical bills of those who have been discharged, but do not have the money to pay. All these and more we’re going to do,” he said.

He also said the foundation was initiated to “honour my late uncle, Chinua Achebe, who’s known in the literary world. His compassion and love for humanity knows no bounds; these are the things we would be doing for him.”

He also said: “My foundation is called Achebe Hope Foundation. As the name signifies, it’s a household name in Nigeria. Professor Chinua Achebe brought our name to limelight; he brought it to the whole world, but that was in literature.

Ubaka said further that two months after Achebe passed on in 2013, he decided to take it upon himself to capture the needs of orphans and indigent women, who were struggling to fend for their homes.

But, in a statement by the Chinua Achebe Estate, yesterday, the Achebe family said Ubaka should “immediately cease and desist from using the name of Chinua Achebe or invoking the Chinua Achebe Estate in connection with any venture, project, promotion or representation without prior written permission.

“That any unauthorised use of Chinua Achebe’s name, likeness, legacy or the name of the Chinua Achebe Estate, must stop. Failure to comply will result in further action to protect the integrity of Chinua Achebe’s legacy and the rights of the Estate.”

The Chinua Achebe Estate also said Ubaka Achebe “is not Chinua Achebe’s nephew and his father is not Chinua Achebe’s elder brother.” (The Sun)