AREA K RECLAMATION: OWERRI TRADITIONAL RULERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, ENDORSE UZODIMMA’S INTERVENTION, PLEDGE SUPPORT
…Urge Governor to Ignore Those Not Traditional Rulers Of The Communities, Commend Move to End Decades of Insecurity
By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu | July 23, 2026
Traditional rulers and community leaders from the autonomous communities with ancestral ties to the disputed Area K, World Bank Layout, New Owerri, have unanimously endorsed the Imo State Government’s ongoing reclamation of the land, describing the intervention as timely and necessary after decades of abandonment.
The endorsement came during a meeting with the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Chief Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, where the royal fathers and community representatives expressed appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for reclaiming the area, which they said had become a haven for criminals and a major security threat to the state capital.
The delegation comprised HRH Eze Rowland Clinton Uboegbulam Nze, JP, KSC (Anumudu VI of Umueroronjo Autonomous Community), HRH Eze Peter Eze-Chikere Njemanze (Ozuruigbo V of Amawom Autonomous Community), HRM Eze Dr. G. N. Ugorji (Eze Ohame V of Umuguma Ancient Kingdom), HRH Eze Possible Uche of Umuoyeche Autonomous Community and Chairman of the Owerri Municipal Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as the Chairmen of the Land Committees of the affected communities, Engr. Benjamin Ehirim, Prince John Njemanze, and Prince Hon. Keh Ibemere.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, HRH Eze Rowland Clinton Uboegbulam Nze said the indigenous communities were pleased with the ongoing clearance and reclamation of the land, noting that the government’s action would pave the way for meaningful development.
He appealed to the Commissioner to convey their message to Governor Hope Uzodimma, urging him not to entertain representations from persons outside the indigenous communities on matters concerning the land.
According to him, only the traditional rulers of the affected autonomous communities are duly positioned to speak on behalf of their people regarding issues relating to Area K.
Also addressing the gathering, HRH Eze Peter Eze-Chikere Njemanze disclosed that the traditional rulers had unanimously resolved not to obstruct the government’s plans for the land. He expressed confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership, stating that the Governor possesses the wisdom to determine the most beneficial use of the reclaimed property and would not betray the trust of the indigenous landowners.
In his remarks, Ichie Uche Best Mbanaso, who was introduced as the designated attorney and intermediary between the communities and the state government, commended the Governor for taking decisive action to reclaim what he described as an abandoned and dangerous expanse of land.
He recalled that the area had remained neglected for over 27 years, becoming an eyesore and a sanctuary for criminal activities including violent crimes. According to him, two decomposing bodies were recovered from the area barely two weeks before the commencement of the reclamation exercise, a development that prompted the traditional ruler of Umuguma Ancient Kingdom to formally appeal to the Governor to intervene.
Mbanaso said the government’s decision to clear the land had brought renewed hope to the affected communities and would significantly improve security within the Owerri metropolis.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Chief Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, thanked the delegation for their confidence in the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma and assured them that their concerns would receive prompt attention.
He explained that the immediate priority of the government is to clear the dense vegetation and forests that had provided cover for criminal activities over the years.
The Commissioner stressed that the reclamation exercise is in the interest of all residents of Imo State, whether indigenous or non-indigenous, adding that the Governor remains committed to ensuring that the eventual use of the land serves the public good.
Chief Onuegbu assured the traditional rulers that he would relay their position to the Governor and urged all stakeholders to remain peaceful and law-abiding, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through lawful means rather than self-help or violence.
He reiterated that the government possesses the constitutional authority to maintain peace and order while pursuing development that benefits the people of Imo State..
