A socio-cultural group, Ogbako Ohaji Peoples Forum, in Imo State, has opposed the inclusion of the Ohaji people in the proposed Orlu State, noting that there are huge cultural, social and geographical differences between them.
This stance comes after the bill to create Orlu State, proposed by Ikenga Ugochinyere, passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
The forum, in a letter addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, said its membership in the proposed state was the result of selfish interest and not the decision of the people.
The forum highlighted Ohaji’s proximity to Owerri, the Imo State capital, and its historical and cultural ties with Owerri.
They also noted that their inclusion in Orlu State would lead to further marginalization and impoverishment.
In the letter signed by various leaders of Ohaji community including Sir Fidelis Enya, Dr Theodore Amunwa, Destiny Isinwa and Mr Nicholas Nwosu, the forum demanded that it remain part of Imo State which they claim rightfully belongs to them.
“The said organisation, being the apex socio-cultural body representing the good people of Ohaji area, together with other key stakeholders, fully supports and commends the bill for the creation of Orlu State,” the statement read.
“For a long time, the people of the southeast have never doubted the need for the creation of a new state in their geopolitical region. This step will therefore not only correct the imbalance but also go a long way in calming, placating and giving the people a sense of belonging.”
“However, Ohaji area in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, which has a population of 177,940 and comprises 20 autonomous communities, vehemently dislikes and rejects the move to include us (Ohaji) in the Orlu State Bill, saying the original inclusion of Ohaji area in Orlu Senatorial District was nothing more than political conquest and selfishness of a few leaders who agreed to it then and is therefore an anomaly that should be corrected.
“Another reason for rejecting the Orlu State proposal has to do with distance. Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is just a stone’s throw from any town or village in Ohaji, within a 35-minute drive or about 26 kilometres from the edge of Ohaji.
“Meanwhile, the proposed town capital of Orlu State is 69km away, about one hour and 24 minutes from Ohaji. Some of our communities border Owerri. For example, Avu, Okuku, Ofolola and Obinze in Owerri border Oboshima, Ojoba, Umuokanne and Mugbilichi in Ohaji. The proponents of the bill to create the new state should tell the world where the border with Orlu is. Let people be more interested in other things.”