At least 25 autonomous communities under the Ohaji nation in Imo State have rejected proposals to merge them with the Egbema community in the creation of a new state, Orlu, from the South-East geopolitical zone.

The communities made their position known in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, a copy of which was obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday.

The letter was jointly signed by the National President of the Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum, Fidelis Enya, and Chairman of the forum’s Committee on State Creation, Johnbosco Ben, along with other stakeholders.

While acknowledging the need for a new state in the South-East to address regional imbalance, the communities strongly opposed their inclusion in the proposed Orlu State.

“For so long, the people of the South-East have not left anyone in doubt that an additional state is needed from this geopolitical zone.

This move would not only correct the atrocious imbalance among the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, but also go a long way to assuage and give them an equivalent sense of belonging,” the letter read.

“However, the Ohaji nation, which is larger than four local government areas in some parts of Imo State and made up of nearly 400,000 people across 25 autonomous communities and seven INEC political wards, unanimously and vehemently rejects any attempt to merge us into the creation of Orlu State or any other geopolitical contraption so named.”

The group expressed frustration that none of the promoters of the proposed state had consulted them, describing the move as disrespectful and an attempt to forcefully annex their communities.

They also described their historic inclusion in the Orlu Senatorial District as “an aberration” and “an inconvenient political marriage,” attributing it to “greed, selfishness, annexation, and the bribery of a few leaders.”

Reaffirming their position, the communities insisted they share no cultural or social affinity with the Orlu people and expressed their desire to remain in Imo State.

“In our last letter to your office dated June 11, 2024, this body reiterated that we have no cultural and social affinity with the Orlu people. Political alliances should be based on mutual agreement, not compulsion. We say a resounding no to our inclusion in the proposed Orlu State, and a firm yes to remaining in Imo State, where we rightfully belong due to proximity, religious, and boundary ties.”

They concluded by stating: “Like our forefathers and distinguished late leaders, we will not shift ground. Ohaji will not be part of any proposed Orlu State. While we support the success of the new state for the South-East, Ohaji insists on remaining within Imo State or in any state that does not have Orlu as its capital.” (The PUNCH)