The leadership and key stakeholders of Ozuorji Kindred in Ozulobu Autonomous Community, Umumeze Amuda Isuochi, have paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, to seek greater recognition as the landlords and original donors of the land on which the local government headquarters is situated.
During the visit, discussions centred on the community’s advocacy for due acknowledgment and inclusion in matters concerning the local government and its host communities.
Speaking first, Chief Innocent Ubah, Chairman of Umuavuta Ozuorji, explained that their visit was prompted by an online report about a recent meeting between Amuda critical stakeholders and traditional rulers and the Mayor, which they were neither informed of nor represented at.
According to him, the omission caused concern among Ozuorji people, given their historical role as land donors, and stressed the need for their inclusion in all related discussions to avoid invalidating any agreements reached in their absence.
Also speaking, Chief Patrick Okafor described the development as one that created disaffection within the community, noting that their interests were not adequately protected.
He appealed to the Mayor to always remember Ozuorji Kindred as the core landlords of the local government and to ensure their involvement in future engagements.
In his response, Mayor Sunny Afurobi expressed delight at receiving the delegation and took time to clarify misconceptions surrounding the earlier meeting, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to working for the collective development of all Umunneochi communities without bias or sectionalism.
The Mayor explained that the previous meeting was not about land matters in Nkwoagu, as speculated, but focused on plans to develop Eke Market, rehabilitate the car park, and rebuild the burnt timber market.
He further disclosed that efforts were underway to revive the Afor Ojide Market, describing both markets as potential sources of significant internally generated revenue if properly developed.
“These meetings were strictly about infrastructural and economic development, not land ownership,” Chief Afurobi clarified, urging the visiting leaders to prioritize communal interests above personal or sectional considerations, while emphasizing that peace and cooperation remain vital for the progress of Umunneochi.
In his remarks, Mr. Ezinwa Edwin Okpara, Chairman of Ozuorji Kindreds, expressed appreciation to the Mayor for his open and detailed explanations, which, according to him, helped clear earlier misconceptions arising from the online publication.
He requested that the Mayor include at least one Ozuorji representative in future deliberations related to Nkwoagu and other community matters pending the restoration of their traditional leadership stool.
Also speaking, Hon. Engr. David Mba, Councillor representing Amuda Ward, reaffirmed the purpose of the earlier meeting and clarified that invitations were duly extended to representatives of Umumeze Ozulobu, who unfortunately neither attended nor sent a delegate.
He, however, assured that efforts would be made to carry everyone along in subsequent engagements.
Other notable attendees included Ichie A. O. Maduabuchi, Engr. Sunday Okpara, Chief John Signor Onyema, Hon. Okenna Analike, Hon. Leonard Onwuka, Ogbuehi Fuzzy, Ogbuehi Charles Ahamefule, and Mr. Obed Nwabekee.
They all commended the Mayor for his transparency and developmental vision for Umunneochi, pledging their support to his administration’s efforts to foster unity and progress across the local government area.
