by Maazi Obinna Akuwudike
There is a lingering question that should trouble the conscience of every fair-minded Imo citizen: What is wrong with an Owerri or Okigwe man who does not feel a surge of righteous anger when another Orlu man audaciously declares an interest in contesting for the governorship seat in 2027?
That person must either be mad because only an Owerri or Okigwe man that is sick in the head will continue to uphold the injustice done to his people by supporting another Orlu man to lead the state.
It is both shocking and disheartening that, despite the glaring imbalance in Imo State’s political landscape, whispers are already emerging of certain individuals from Orlu zone—some with controversial pasts—expressing interest in succeeding Governor Hope Uzodimma.
One notable figure, whose name is linked to the infamous Otokoto era, is allegedly testing the waters for a 2027 ambition. The audacity is mind-numbing. Is it love for Imo people that drives this ambition, or is it sheer greed and lust for power?
Let’s be factual. Imo State is made up of three zones: Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu. In the spirit of fairness and equity, leadership should rotate among these zones, ensuring that no one region dominates the political scene to the exclusion of others. Yet, since the advent of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999, Orlu zone has held onto the governorship like a prized trophy.
- Achike Udenwa (Orlu) governed from 1999 to 2007 (8 years).
- Ikedi Ohakim (Okigwe) ruled from 2007 to 2011 (4 years).
- Rochas Okorocha (Orlu) held power from 2011 to 2019 (8 years).
- Hope Uzodimma (Orlu) has been in office since 2020 and will complete his second term in 2027 (8 years).
Painfully but if we follow the law to the letter, RT Hon Emeka Ihedioha was never a governor following his very controversial removal by the Supreme Court, which therefore means that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, Owerri have not sat on that seat.
By 2027, Orlu would have ruled Imo State for a cumulative 24 years out of 28 since 1999. Okigwe has had just four years. Owerri, the capital city of the state, has been sidelined entirely, with zero years at the helm.
If this is not injustice, what is? If this is not marginalization, how else can it be defined?
Even Governor Hope Uzodimma, an Orlu son himself, has publicly acknowledged this imbalance. During his re-election campaign, he boldly declared that it was the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor. He reaffirmed this stance even after his victory, standing as a beacon for fairness and justice.
Yet, despite this, some from Orlu—emboldened by a seeming sense of entitlement—are plotting to upend this natural rotation. This is not love for Imo people. This is not leadership. This is wickedness in its rawest form. It is the very definition of greed, a cold-hearted disregard for fairness, and a ruthless ambition that threatens the unity of Imo State.
There is an entrenched mindset among some Orlu elites, a belief in their right to rule perpetually—a mentality that sees Owerri and Okigwe not as equals, not as brothers, but as slaves. This “Orlu Wu Eze” mindset is dangerous. It is divisive. It undermines the very fabric of brotherhood that should bind Imo together.
How can anyone justify Orlu holding onto the governorship after 24 years of dominance? It is akin to sitting at a communal table, where the meal is meant to be shared among brothers, yet one person greedily clutches the spoon, denying others their rightful portion. That is not just selfishness—it is wickedness of the highest order.
Let it be known: Any Orlu man who seeks to contest for the governorship in 2027 is not just ambitious but is driven by an evil intent to deny others their fair share. Such a person does not see Ndi Owerri or Ndi Okigwe as brothers, but as subordinates whose rights can be trampled upon for personal gain.
And to any Owerri or Okigwe son who supports such injustice, history will not be kind. You are a disgrace, a betrayal to your people, and a curse to your lineage. You would be standing on the side of oppression, against your own people’s rightful turn for leadership.
How then can you boldly complain when Nigeria denies an Igbo man the chance to rule when you are already marginalising your own blood brothers and sisters at home.
Posterity is a stern judge. It does not forget. It does not overlook betrayal. When you deny your brother his rightful share, when you collude to perpetuate injustice, you align yourself against the natural course of justice. No one who fights against fairness ever escapes the verdict of history.
It is time for Orlu leaders with conscience to speak up and for those with ambitions to shelve them. The dignity of Imo State is at stake. The peace and unity of our people are on the line.
The 2027 governorship belongs to Owerri zone. Not out of charity. Not as a favor. But as a matter of equity, justice, and fairness. Anything short of this is an invitation to discord.
To the power-hungry: If you love Imo, let justice lead the way. If you care about unity, respect the turn of others. And if you seek peace, step aside and let fairness prevail.
The time of domination is over. The time for equity has come.
