Elder Statesman Calls for Equity, Justice, Adherence to Zoning Arrangement Ahead of November 7 Poll
By Dan Opara
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the November 7, 2026, Imo State Local Government Council Elections, a respected elder statesman from Onuimo Local Government Area, High Chief John Enyiogasi, popularly known as OK 2000, has declared that it is the turn of Umuduruegbeaguru clan to produce the next Executive Chairman of the council.
Chief Enyiogasi, who holds the traditional titles of Okwara Okigwe and Omeudo Okigwe and a Justice of the Peace (JP), made the declaration during an exclusive media interview with ThePressman Newspaper and other media personalities in Owerri on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The 87-year-old community leader maintained that the existing zoning arrangement among the four recognised clans in Onuimo LGA should be respected in the forthcoming election to promote equity, justice, political inclusion, peace and harmonious coexistence among the people.
According to him, the people of Onuimo have embraced the zoning formula as a means of ensuring fairness in the distribution of political leadership opportunities among the constituent clans.
He insisted that, in line with the arrangement, Umuduruegbeaguru clan should be given the opportunity to produce the next Executive Chairman of the local government area.
Explaining the basis for his position, Chief Enyiogasi stated that the immediate past Executive Chairman of Onuimo LGA, Dr. Emeka Obi, hails from Umuna clan, which, according to him, has already occupied its turn under the existing zoning arrangement.
He argued that the principle of equity demands that the next chairmanship opportunity should go to Umuduruegbeaguru clan in the interest of fairness, political balance and continuity in the local government area’s leadership arrangement.
The elder statesman cautioned against any action capable of undermining the understanding reached among the clans, stressing that truth, justice and fairness should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
He noted that zoning arrangements, where mutually agreed upon by stakeholders, could serve as important instruments for managing political competition, promoting inclusion and preventing unnecessary disagreements within communities.
Chief Enyiogasi, who also recalled his contributions towards attracting the Onuimo Local Government Council Headquarters to Okwe, urged political leaders, community stakeholders and other influential individuals to support arrangements designed to guarantee equitable representation.
He maintained that disregarding an established understanding on zoning could create avoidable tension and weaken the spirit of unity among the people.
Providing further clarification on the political and traditional structure of Onuimo LGA, Chief Enyiogasi explained that the area comprises four clans organised into two blocs known as Otanzu and Otanchara.
“In Onuimo LGA, we have two blocs, which are Otanzu bloc and Otanchara bloc. The Otanzu bloc is made up of Okwe clan and Umuna clan, while Otanchara bloc is made up of Okwelle clan and Umuduruegbeaguru clan.”
He explained that the zoning arrangement was designed to give the constituent clans a fair opportunity to participate in the leadership of the local government area.
Against this background, the community leader reiterated that Umuduruegbeaguru clan should be supported to produce the next Executive Chairman, describing adherence to the arrangement as a way of sustaining political stability, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in Onuimo.
He stressed that the principle of equity should remain a guiding consideration in the selection of grassroots political leaders, particularly where communities have developed an understanding intended to accommodate their respective interests.
The elder statesman further expressed confidence that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was aware of the zoning arrangement in Onuimo LGA and had taken note of the position being canvassed by the community.
He expressed satisfaction that the issue had been brought to the attention of the state leadership, while voicing hope that the principle of fairness would receive due consideration in determining the next council chairman.
“We have agreed on strong zoning arrangements in Onuimo LGA. It is the turn of Umuduruegbeaguru clan. We are collectively happy that the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is aware of our zoning formula, and he has taken note already.”
He maintained that respecting the arrangement would demonstrate a commitment to inclusive grassroots governance and the equitable distribution of political opportunities among the constituent clans.
The community leader, however, emphasised that the overriding objective should be to ensure that political competition does not undermine the unity and peaceful coexistence of the people of Onuimo.
As the November 7, 2026, council election approaches, Chief Enyiogasi appealed to politicians, chairmanship aspirants and other political stakeholders from the different clans in Onuimo LGA to place the collective interest of the people above personal ambitions.
He specifically urged stakeholders who do not belong to Umuduruegbeaguru clan to support the zoning arrangement as he described it, arguing that cooperation among the clans would strengthen unity and reduce avoidable political tension.
According to him, the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their commitment to fairness, justice, peaceful political participation and mutual respect.
He also called on community leaders and relevant political stakeholders to uphold the understanding reached among the clans and work towards a leadership transition that accommodates the interests of the various constituent groups.
Chief Enyiogasi reiterated that his appeal was based on his understanding of the existing zoning formula, which he believes should guide the selection of the next Executive Chairman of Onuimo LGA.
The position expressed by Chief Enyiogasi highlights the continuing debate over zoning, equitable representation and grassroots political leadership in Onuimo LGA ahead of the November 7, 2026, Imo State Local Government Council Elections.
His declaration places the question of clan-based power rotation at the centre of discussions concerning the next council administration, with particular emphasis on fairness, inclusion and the need to sustain peaceful relations among the constituent communities.
While reiterating his position that Umuduruegbeaguru clan should produce the next Executive Chairman, the elder statesman expressed hope that political stakeholders would give due consideration to the zoning arrangement he described and work collectively towards a peaceful electoral process.
