Okpulu Landlord Association Protests Illegal Levy Imposition in Umunya

By Julie Sylvia Onitsha

The Okpulu Landlords Association in Ezi Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, has protested against the imposition of illegal levies by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chiagozie Nweke (Udo).

The placards have descriptions like, Say to to imposition of illegal levies, Chigozie Nweke stop attacking Okpulu land owners, Oluatuegwu come to our rescue, Chigozie Nweke leave Okpulu land owners alone, among others.

The association, led by Chairman Chief Stephen Oforleh (Award), claims that Nweke is demanding Five Hundred Thousand Naira from landowners, despite the land being sacred and exempt from such levies.

According to Oforleh, the land belongs to the Umuezeani family, and previous administrations had never collected development levies and the association has written to Nweke through their Counsel, CB Ukanze and Co, warning him to stop collecting levies, but he has refused.

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The protest follows the illegal collection of levies, demolition of ongoing construction buildings and the flogging of workers with machetes and pistols resulting to the hospitalized of the victims.

He also disclosed that monies were paid to Umuezeani family, who are the owner of the Okpulu land, then to Umunya Town Union and the government.

Former Chairman of Umuezeani, Chief Emma Okwundu, supports the association’s claims, stating that no such levy was collected during his tenure. He added that the land is sacred, and only the Umuezeani family has authority over it.

Chief Onyeka Nweke (Ezennia), Chairman of the Umuezeani Kindred, also confirms that the land is sacred and that Nweke’s actions are unauthorized.

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Nweke denies the allegations, claiming that the levy is for Ezi Umunya and that previous administrations had collected similar levies. He stated that the land in question is Iyi Ota, which borders Okpulu land.

The association has called on Governor Charles Soludo, Local Government Mayor Hon Emma Nweke (Iga), and the Member Representing Oyi in the State House of Assembly, Ojicam, to intervene.

The President General of the Community through his Public Relation Officer, Mr Peter Onuigbo has promised to look into the matter and to call both parties soon.

Others who contributed their views were the former Chairman of Ezi Umunya, Chief Gabriel Okwundu (Dunga) and the Councillor representing Umunya ward 2, Hon Okwundu Ugonna

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