Imo State traditional rulers for Orlu zone (Imo West) have thrown their weight behind Owerri zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2027.
This is as the battle for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor hots up.
Uzodimma, last year, challenged the leaders in Owerri Zone to unite and forge a common front to enable them succeed him in 2027 when he would have served out his second term in office.
The governor reiterated his determination to hand over to Owerri Zone at the end of his second tenure in 2027 based on the Imo Charter of Equity and overwhelming support his administration has got from the zone for his re-election.
While the Orlu zone has governed the state for 20 years since 1999, the Owerri zone has only held the office for less than two years in the same period. The Okigwe zone, which has ruled for only four years, is also scheming for the governorship seat in 2027.
However, the monarchs, in a resolution after their meeting at the Imo Palace, Owerri on May 31, 2024 just made public, said all governorship aspirants outside Owerri zone should wait for their turn after Owerri zone.
Part of the resolution read “Nde Eze Orlu stand with their son, the governor, on his position on the Imo charter of equity which rotates governorship to Owerri zone in 2027.”
The Council, in its resolution after its meeting at Eze Imo Palace, Owerri on May 31, 2024, said Owerri zone should produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor.“
Specifically, the traditional rulers warned all aspirants from outside Owerri zone to shelf their plan and wait until the zone had completed their term.
The resolution read “All governorship aspirants outside Owerri zone should wait for their turn after Owerri zone.”
According to the traditional rulers, they were privy to the resolution of the Imo charter of equity by the Imo Elders Council, which was blessed at an interdenominational service and further ratified by a resolution by the Imo state house of assembly.
The Orlu monarchs’ endorsement marks a significant boost to Owerri zone’s bid to produce the next governor of Imo State.
Owerri zone since the creation of the state was yet to enjoy the completion of a term as late Senator Evan Enwere’s tenure was botched by the military in 1993, while Chief Emeka Ihedioha was stopped by the Supreme Court pronouncement that declared Uzodimma the winner of 2019 election.