Owerri-West Reaffirms Recognition Of 21 Government Approved Autonomous Communities… warns against illegal claims, unauthorized traditional titles

By Dan Opara

In a newspaper advertorial published in several Imo State tabloids and made available to ThePressman Newspaper, the Local Government Council of Owerri West LGA, through its Executive Chairman, Chief Victor Osigwe (Ikeoha), has officially reaffirmed the existence of only twenty-one (21) government-recognized autonomous communities within the local government area.

According to the press statement dated 3rd October 2025 and issued from the Council Headquarters in Umuguma, the attention of the Owerri West LGA administration has been drawn to the illegal claims by certain individuals and groups asserting that their villages have been granted autonomous status.

Some of these individuals, the statement noted, have gone as far as parading themselves as Eze-elects while appointing their associates as Presidents General (PGs) of such unrecognized communities.

The council described this development as embarrassing and misleading, emphasizing that the Government of Imo State has not officially granted autonomous status to these purported communities.

Therefore, they remain unrecognized under the law until due process is followed and official recognition is conferred by the state government.

The statement further clarified that, as of now, Owerri West LGA has only twenty-one (21) legally approved autonomous communities, namely:

Umuguma
Okuku
Avu
Oforola
Ola-Ukwu
Umuanunu
Obinze
Ihiagwa
Ezi-Obodo
Umuokpo
Ezi-Okele
Emeabiam
Okolochi
Umuoma
Dindi
Umudibia Kingdom (Umualum)
Nekede Ancient
Irete
Umunwoha
Ohii
Amakohia-Ubi
Chief Osigwe stated that the traditional rulers of these recognized communities are fully aware of their responsibilities, particularly regarding the observance of traditional and cultural ceremonies such as Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival), August Meetings for women (home and abroad), and other community events.

He condemned the actions of unrecognized individuals and groups who organize or participate in such sacred traditional activities under the guise of unauthorized traditional titles, warning that such conduct is illegal and unacceptable.

The statement reiterated that there is a legally approved procedure for seeking and obtaining autonomous status in Imo State, and ignorance of the law will not serve as an excuse for any violation.

Offenders are sternly warned to desist from such unlawful practices or face the full consequences as prescribed by law.

Chief Osigwe stressed that the Owerri West LGA authorities remain committed to maintaining peace, harmony, and due process in the area.

He emphasized that anyone found contravening the established laws and procedures guiding the creation and recognition of autonomous communities will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

Finally, the Executive Chairman urged members of the public to be properly guided and law-abiding to prevent any breach of peace in Owerri West LGA.

The document was duly signed by
Hon. Victor Osigwe (Ikeoha), the
Executive Chairman, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State of Nigeria.