Leaders of Okigwe Zone have convened a high-level summit aimed at building consensus on zoning arrangements and the emergence of candidates for future elections within the zone.
The meeting, held on May 3, 2026, at Protea Hotel, New Owerri, Imo State, was presided over by the Chairman of Okigwe Zone Global Elders Forum, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, the Traditional Ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area.
The summit brought together prominent stakeholders including former political office holders, traditional rulers, business leaders, and opinion shapers to review the performance of elected representatives and assess their eligibility for re-contest.
In his opening remarks, Eze Ohanwe emphasized that the gathering was convened to address critical issues surrounding zoning, consensus candidacy, and effective representation. He raised concerns about the performance of some current office holders and stressed the need for accountability.
Co-chairman of the meeting, Professor Maurice Iwu, underscored the importance of adhering to the zoning formula adopted during the 2022 stakeholders’ meeting in at the same venue. He noted that the arrangement—which provides for the rotation of power between the three clans that make up the zone remains the most viable framework for ensuring fairness, inclusion, and balance within the zone.
Professor Iwu cautioned against abandoning zoning insisting that zoning and performance must be carefully balanced to sustain unity and equity.
Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Ike Ibe urged stakeholders not to lose sight of the established processes in addressing issues of marginalization.
He called for a review of past resolutions to determine which areas may have been underrepresented or overrepresented, while also evaluating the conduct and performance of current office holders.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 2022 zoning report by Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, PhD. which clearly stated that zoning arrangement of the Senate position must go between the recognized three political districts of Okigwe zone which is Otanchara-Otanzu comprising Okigwe and Onuimo; Mbano axis which isiala and Ehime; and Etiti which is Ihitte Uboma and Obowo axis and that it would be for a period of four years for two terms.
He noted that the report had been implemented to a large extent, except in cases where legal disputes altered its outcomes—specifically referencing the actions of Deacon Chike Okafor of Obowo LGA, whose court challenge affected the original zoning arrangement in Okigwe South.
The report reiterated that federal constituencies within the zone should be limited to two terms, subject to performance, to ensure equitable distribution of political opportunities.
Deliberations also covered zoning issues across various elective positions, including: One Senate seat, Two House of Representatives seats, Six State House of Assembly seats and Local government leadership positions
Stakeholders from Obowo and Okigwe LGAs raised internal concerns over zoning arrangements affecting State Assembly seats and local government leadership rotations.
These matters were, however, considered internal, with assurances that affected parties would resolve them amicably.
On the House of Representatives seat for Okigwe North (comprising Okigwe, Onuimo, and Isiala Mbano LGAs), tensions rose as stakeholders from Onuimo insisted it was their turn to produce the next representative.
This position was in response to the perceived dominance of Isiala Mbano, which currently holds the seat through Rt. Hon. Miriam Onuoha.
Similarly, competing interests arose between Ihitte Uboma (Okigwe South) and Onuimo (Okigwe North), both presenting strong cases for representation based on equity.
The Senate seat also generated intense debate. While the incumbent, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, was widely commended for his performance—including attracting federal projects such as a university, an electricity substation, and facilitating employment opportunities—stakeholders from Obowo LGA argued that it was their turn to occupy the seat, citing historical marginalization following the brief tenure of the late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.
However, this position was strongly opposed by stakeholders from Okigwe LGA, who cited Senators Sylvester Anyanwu and Mathew Nwagwu as well as Athan Achonu and Ibezim as being from Etiti clan. They maintained that they have yet to occupy the Senate seat under both current and previous political arrangements, including the “Otanchara–Otanzu” understanding. They further argued against disrupting continuity, emphasizing the need to sustain effective representation.
At the peak of deliberations, apex leader Chief Tony Chukwu called for a voice vote to adopt the 2022 committee’s strategic framework as the basis for resolving all outstanding zoning and consensus issues.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with stakeholders mandating the committee to conduct a comprehensive review and present recommendations acceptable to the majority.
Other notable leaders who aligned in support of zoning, equity, and the two-term principle included Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim, Chief Ejiogu Charles, EGU, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Barr Ozo Charles Ezekwem and Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibe, among others.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and unity as guiding principles in determining political representation in Okigwe Zone.
Report by Fredrick Njoku