The National Congress of Ohaji Youths (NACOY) in Ohaji/Egbema council has opposed the inclusion of Ohaji Clan of Imo State in the proposed Orlu or Anim State.

The youths said the clan prefers remaining in Imo State due to the proximity, religious, traditional, and cultural affinities that exist between Ohaji and Imo State.

Addressing newsmen at Mgbirichi on Monday, the National President, Nicholas Tochukwu Nwosu, disclosed that NACOY, at its last congress held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, took far-reaching decisions.

According to him, NACOY is in full support of the creation of an additional state in the South East region of the country to correct the imbalance among the six geopolitical zones.

He added that the people of Ohaji prefer to remain in Imo State not only because of proximity but also because of the traditional and cultural affinity which does not exist between them and the people of Orlu Zone.

Nwosu regretted that Ohaji, with a population of more than 400,000 people comprising 25 recognised autonomous communities and seven electoral wards, was merged with Egbema to form a local government area.

He stated that Ohaji district is supposed to be split into three local government areas, more so when the other two districts, such as Owerri and Mbaise, have been split into four and three council areas, respectively.

Nwosu, who was flanked by National Secretary, Edi Victor, and Public Relations Officer, Innocent Amadi, during the briefing, declared the inclusion of Ohaji District in Orlu Zone as an inconvenient political marriage akin to annexation.

He asserted that political relationships should be by choice and not by compulsion.

Ogbako Ohaji, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ohaji Nation, had publicly rejected the inclusion of Ohaji Clan in the proposed Anim State. (Daily Sun)