The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Hon. Akarachi Amadi and Barr. Kingsley Ononuju to tender a public apology over what it described as “calculated provocation and a political insult” directed at Orlu Zone. This follows controversial claims that Mbaitoli is more populated than three local governments in Orlu, a statement made by Amadi on the floor of the House of Representatives and subsequently defended by Ononuju in a July 9, 2025 advertorial published in The Horn.
OPOCA, in a strongly worded response, accused both men of masterminding a dangerous expansionist agenda aimed at undermining the political influence of Orlu Zone. The group cited population projections from 2022 to counter the claim, noting that the Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency has a population of 538,200 with 349.9 km² landmass, compared to the Orlu-based Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru West Federal Constituency which boasts 612,000 residents and 1,565.1 km².
According to OPOCA, the assertion that Mbaitoli is the largest federal constituency in the Southeast is not just factually incorrect but laced with the intent to humiliate a region that remains central to Imo State’s political architecture. The group emphasized that Amadi’s remarks were not a slip of the tongue, but rather a deliberate act backed by Ononuju’s endorsement and public repetition.
Citing the Igbo adage that “a child sent by his father to steal is always bold,” OPOCA implied that Akarachi was merely the mouthpiece of a larger agenda orchestrated by political actors from Mbaike bent on dethroning Orlu’s dominance. The group believes this incident marks a pivotal moment that could threaten inter-zonal unity if left unaddressed.
The political drama has further escalated distrust between Orlu and Mbaike blocs, with OPOCA describing Mbaike’s ambition to dominate as “dwarfish” and “treasonable.” It warned that continued disrespect for the Orlu zone would be met with fierce resistance, and any attempt to isolate the region politically would backfire spectacularly.
OPOCA called on both Akarachi Amadi and Kingsley Ononuju to publicly withdraw their statements and apologize to the people of Orlu within 48 hours or risk being declared persona non grata across the 12 LGAs of the zone. The group stressed that political harmony in Imo State can only be achieved through mutual respect, truth, and unity—not false superiority and divisive rhetoric.
As of the time of this report, neither Hon. Amadi nor Barr. Ononuju has responded to the ultimatum.
