Ohaji/Egbema Traditional Rulers, Political Stakeholders Endorse Chief Charles Orie for Imo Governorship

In a remarkable show of unity and confidence, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and cultural leaders from Ohaji-Egbema gathered on Friday, November 7, 2025 for a strategic consultative meeting with Chief Charles Orie (Akuatuegwu), during which they unanimously endorsed him for the Imo State Governorship race.

The meeting, held in an atmosphere filled with admiration and optimism, featured a series of heartfelt tributes as participants poured encomiums on Chief Orie for his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and enduring commitment to the development of Ohaji-Egbema and Imo State at large.

Community leaders described Chief Orie as “a bridge-builder with the passion, experience, and integrity needed to lead Imo State into a new era of inclusive development.” They recalled his outstanding contributions to the region, including the historic moment when, as a private citizen, he brought former President Ibrahim Babangida to Ohaji — a visit that symbolized Ohaji’s growing prominence under Orie’s influence and initiative.

Speakers also highlighted his numerous human-capacity development programs, empowerment initiatives, and community-based infrastructural projects, which have directly uplifted the lives of many across Ohaji-Egbema and neighboring communities.

The stakeholders, speaking with one voice, emphasized that Ohaji-Egbema must produce the next Governor of Imo State, citing decades of neglect, marginalization, and the absence of state-funded infrastructure. One elder passionately stated that “since 1999, not a single state road has been constructed in Ohaji by any Imo Governor — our only visible projects are those initiated by NDDC,ISOPADEC.

Rejecting the concept of zoning in Imo politics, the gathering declared that competence, capacity, and credibility — not regional sentiment — should define leadership selection. They urged Chief Orie to see himself as “the Imo Project” — a candidate symbolizing equity for oil-producing communities and a beacon of hope for the entire state.

In his remarks, Chief Charles Orie expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming show of love and support, reaffirming his readiness to serve. He emphasized that he possesses the experience, international exposure, and global connections required to place Imo State on a sustainable path of growth and transformation.

“I have the vision, the network, and the commitment to move Imo State forward. My connection with the Imo diaspora, my understanding of our local realities, and my relationship with people across all social classes give me the confidence to build a united and prosperous Imo,” Chief Orie stated.

He reminded the people of Ohaji-Egbema that leadership comes from God, assuring them that he would make his official declaration at the appropriate time.

As the meeting drew to a close, participants once again reaffirmed their total support for Chief Orie, urging him to heed the people’s call to lead. They pledged that the entire Ohaji-Egbema stands firmly behind his vision for a new, united, and progressive Imo State.

The event ended at the palace of the traditional ruler ofAssa Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Emmanuel Asor, (Odoziobodo II of Assa) who, in conjunction with other traditional ruler from Ohaji-Egbema offered royal blessings and invoked the prayers of the ancestors upon Chief Orie.

The Ezes in attendance were:

1.HRM, Eze E.U.N. Assor- ODOZI OBODO 11 of Assa, Chairman

2.HRH, Eze (Sir) E.C.N. Odunze, EZE UKWU CHINYERE of Obitti -Secretary

3. HRH, Eze M.C. Nwokoma

OKAA OMEE 1V OF UMUOKANNE

4. HRH, Eze Dr. S.A. Okwodu,

DIKE OF OBUOMADIKE

5.HRH, Eze Barr. G.O.H Ariaga, NZE OBI OF EGBEMA KINGDOM

6.HRH, Eze A.I. Iwuogu,

EZE NMA OF NMAHU

7.HRH, Eze W.A.C. Uwakwe

EZE IGWE OF OPUOMA

8.HRH, Eze B.U. Ihueze

OGBUEHI 111 OF UMUAPU

9.HRH, Eze P.A.Ekezie

OCHUARIRI OF ILILE

10.HRH, Eze Lucky Okoro,

NKARALEGWU 111 OF OBIAKPU

11.HRH, Eze Dennis Amadi,

EZE OHA 11 OF MGBUISII.

Other leaders present include. Chief Luke Chukwu, Chief Fidelis Enyia, the Dikeoga of Ogbako Ohaji, Chief Johnbosco Ben, Hon chief Golden Nwosu, Nze Dimkpa Enyia Canada, Hon. Anayo Okiro, Hon Engr. Davis Ogbuji, Hon Golden Nwokoma,Hon Emma Orie, Hon. Valentine Akubudike, Hon Stanley Okanne, Hon. James Ogbanja, Chief Okwuodu among many others.

The leaders lamented the marginalization and neglect suffered by the Ohaji-Egbema people and expressed gratitude to God for providing this renewed opportunity through their illustrious son, Chief Charles Orie.

By Hon Anayo Okiro

Ohaji/Egbema LGA Coordinator,

Imo State Progressives for change 2027,

Writes from Egbema.