Emlproperties: History The place known as Orlu zone or Imo west senatorial district comprises 12 LGA. Although under Imo state, majority of the local government and her people have overtime forged a strong political bond.
The LGA that comprises the zone used to be under one old Orlu division in the colonial era. But due to the policy of decentralization, new LGA’s were created to give the large population a sense of belonging.
It is important to note that the likes of Onuimo (now in Okigwe zone), Ihiala, parts of Aguata, Nnewi South, and Orumba (all in Anambra) that were once under the old Orlu division are not part of the current make-up of Orlu. Each of them now fall under different zones and states.
The LGA that makes up present Orlu zone are as follows:
1. Orlu 2. Orsu 3. Oru west 4. Oru east 5. Oguta 6. Ideato north 7. Ideato south 8. Ohaji/Egbema 9. Nwangele 10. Isu 11. Njaba 12. Nkwerre
The Orlu Identity Orlu senatorial zone should not be confused with Orlu which is both a town and a local government area. Orlu itself is a name of a village called Orlu Gedegum with an Igwe Orlu from the house of Achilonu. But don't get confused when a person from Isu LGA for instance tells you that he’s from Orlu. Why?
The reason is because people in the the 12 LGA regard themselves as Orlu people; they do same till today despite the differences in the local government names.
Why The Soul of Igboland Orlu got the tag at the end of the Biafran war. It was the last place that surrendered during the war. As a matter of fact, many people never wanted to surrender even after the Biafran army had dropped their weapons. While Amandugba in Isu LGA was the last capital of the defunct Biafra, the Uli airstrip in Ihiala a few miles from Orlu town was were Ojukwu escaped on exile. Uli was reknowed for flying Biafran children to refugee camps in Gabon and was the last hope of Ndigbo for Catholic relief material during the war. The symbolism of Orlu surrendering shows that if you must capture Igboland, you must make sure Orlu is defeated before proclaiming victory.
Origin Orlu people are mainly of Isu stock of the Igbo people. However, there are also people with Oru, Orsu, Aro, Ukwuani and Ikwerre heritage. People from Oguta town (not Oguta LGA) are of the same stock with Ndiosimili Ukwuani people of Delta state with similar spoken dialect. Ohaji share same kinship with the Ikwerre. Orsu people share same heritage with those from Nnewi south; the Oru’s on the other hand are the same kins with people from Ihiala, while Ideato have same links with people from Aguata.
Cultural Festival The popular festivals celebrated by people of this zone are thus: 1. New Yam festival (Iriji/Iwaji/Omerife) 2. Owu (pronounced Oghu) 3. Mmanwu 4. Ekeleke 5. Ikeji 6. Okorosha 7. Okonko 8. Ebuebu
Language Orlu people speak the Isuama dialect of the Igbo language. Though variations exist in some communities, but are mutually understandable by all. In Oguta town for instance, their dialect is similar to what is spoken in Aboh Delta state and Ndoni Rivers state. The dialect spoken in Ohaji is similar to what is spoken in Ikwerre. However the rest of Orlu people speak mutually intelligible dialect to what is spoken in the rest of Imo state as well as Ihiala LGA, Nnewi South, Aguata and Orumba LGA’s of Anambra state.
Industry Orlu people are prominent in the pharmaceutical industry. There are also a lot of them doing several businesses in major Nigerian cities. In the village however, farming, trading and fishing are the main occupation.
Economy Orlu zone boast the oil producing communities of Imo state. The oil wells and gas pipelines in the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru east LGA’s are the main oil producing areas in Imo state. Although Ngor-Okpala, Owerri west and Ikeduru LGA’s under Owerri zone are marked as oil bearing, but they are yet to be tapped by the state.
Agriculture Orlu boast large plantation of cashew, palm oil and other cash crops. Famous amongst them are the Adapalm plantation in Ohaji, cashew plantation in the Njaba/Isu forest and rubber plantation in Obiti Egbema. The fishing industry in Oguta and a host of other agro investment potentials in the state.
Tourism Orlu zone boast much tourist attractions. Such as: 1. Oguta lake 2. Oguta golf course built by Late Dee Sam Mbakwe 3. The Ekwe caves in Isu LGA 4. The famous Ikeji festival in Arondizuogu 5. Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu 6. Ngwu Natural Spring Nkwerre 7. Palm Beach Holiday Resort Awo-Omama 8. Iyi Ogidi Spring Amaifeke 9. Eke Njaba 10. Urashi waterfall 11. And a host of others.
Industrialization Orlu zone boast multinational companies such as: 1. Nigerian Breweries (formerly Consolidated Breweries) at Awo-Ommama Oru East 2. Ada Palm at Ohaji/Egbema 3. Oguta Port (now moribund) 4. Rubber Estate at Obiti Ohaji (now moribund) 5. Walter Smith Modular refinery Egbema 6. Seplat Gas Processing Company Egbema 7. International Market Orlu 8. Imo State Cardboard Industry
Higher Institution 1. IMSUTH Orlu 2. Imo Poly Ohaji 3. School of Nursing Amaigbo 4. School of Nursing & Technology Okporo 5. Hezekiah University Nkwerre 6. Eastern Palm University Ogboko 7. Immigration Training School Umuowa
Politics Orlu zone is politically strong when it comes to Imo politics. Since 1999 during the return of democracy, the zone has interchanged government among themselves. Aside from when Ohakim from Okigwe zone ruled as Governor, the likes of Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha and now Hope Uzodimma are all from Orlu zone. Although not fair, the zone is always advantageous because of the 12 LGA it has which dwarfs those in other zones of Imo state.
Quest for State Creation Orlu has been at the front for a sixth South-East state. Since the 2nd republic, Senator Arthur Nzeribe spearheaded the Orashi state movement encompassing the 12 Orlu LGA’s to be joined with Onelga and Ahoada in present Rivers state. The move however got the backing of the national assembly in 2005.
But there was a disagreement between Governor Udenwa and Senator Nzeribe on things like name, geographical boundary and capital.
While Udenwa and later joined by Mbadinuju wanted Njaba/Anim state inclusive of parts of Anambra south but with the capital in Orlu town, Nzeribe wanted Orashi state with Ahoada and ONELGA to be part of it but with capital in Oguta. The move for the state creation died down when Obasanjo requested the SE state creation caucus to key into his third term agenda. However the creation of a new sixth state for the SE is still in the front burner with clamour for Njaba, Anioma, Adada, Aba, Orashi, Orimili, Anim, etc all staking a claim. https://allafrica.com/stories/200810210615.html
Major Town in Orlu Zone Although there are over 100 towns in Orlu zone, the following below are the most developed.
In bold: “fa puta” and “n’akogheri” You mix “fa” - Onitsha dialect and “n’akogheri” - Orlu dialect. Which one you belong? You have derailed the thread. You can now go home.
Will you blame them? Like someone ealier said, inferiority complex is worrying them. Even Orlu people whom this thread is made for have left it for them. I’m beginning to support the idea of creating a state out of Anambra and Imo. Maybe that will cure the madness of some people. Mostly the troublesome ones who want to die on the non-existent Anambra identity might drink poison seeing such happen.
When will these crybabies grow up? Look at how matured people sleep on an innocent thread thst is out to showcase Orlu zone to the world. What is wrong with some people? Virtually all the Igbo thread that doesn’t connect with their sentiments is always derailed. Why?
Very sure. The document you are sharing is the handiwork of SE PDP crybabies who have lost out. Enough is enough of using propaganda to destroy Igbo unity. Obiozor is our choice.
We want Igbo Presidency come 2023. And only a charismatic Ohaneze leadership that is not biased is whom we want. Not sponsoring another Fulani for President while selling us the VP slot. Both the APC and PDP shall produce Igbo candidates and a new Ohaneze how that understand the politics is whom we want.
PhillipPHD: [s]Ohaneze leader, backed by myetti allah.
Ndigbo needs to stay off ohaneze right now. Serious agenda going on.[/s]
But you lost your voice when PDP hijacked Ohaneze from the time of Obasanjo till Jonathan. Ambassador George Obiozor has come to stay. We need him to bring the much needed maturity that we lacked all these years and fight for the interest of Ndigbo, both politically, culturally, economically and geographically. Ohaneze for Ndigbo and Ndigbo.
SaintLucia: When you people couldn't elect among the candidates because of internal crisis, the north has no choice than to impose a former Nigerian ambassador on you.
North didn’t impose anybody. Ohaneze is rotational among the 7 Igbo speaking states. Obiozor is Imo choice and endorsed by other SE states.
Juicegal: politically yes, culturally big NO.. The Aguleri culture cannot be said to be same with the Ihiala man who shares same culture with his Oru brethren in Imo state.
Let me advice you. Stop replying some persons with bigoted tendencies. Just allow them be. For your health and sanity. The thread for all I know started with an innocent intention. But those with an habitual attitude of infighting will not allow us rest.
Like Owu, Ekeleke is another festival popular in many Orlu zone villages. However, the dancers wear high sticks on their leg, while dancing and performing stunts with their faces covered. Ekeleke is also celebrated in other parts of Imo.
Nigerian Breweries Awo-Ommama. The brewery is located at Ubachima Village, Awo-Ommama Oru West LGA. It was formerly Consolidated Breweries before bought by Nigerian Breweries.
The major drinks brewed here are: Lager, Stout and Malt categories and include "33" Export Lager Beer, Turbo King Dark Ale, Williams Dark Ale, Hi- Malt and Maltex Malt.
agadez007: If you asked an Anambrarian where he is from he would mention his town,I am from Alor,I am from Uga,uli etc but ask someone from Oru or Njaba and he would first mention orlu and when you question furthermore they then mention their L.g.a and then their hometown,one even told me that he is from "Njaba orlu" as if there are two njaba in igboland that he had to add orlu there
I think its inferiority complex At work here,most are not proud of where they are from or feel their hometown isnt popular enough they just chip in Orlu so as to avoid explaining too much,Nnobi is just a stone throw from the great Nnewi but they won't claim to be ndi Nnewi
Cjrane2: [s]The southeast governors should be ashamed of themselves. if they are not careful, in the end, their people will totally turn against them for not caring about their lives. Instead, they are more concerned about pampering AK47 wielding criminals building secret camps in the forests so that their Fulani masters will give them Vice President. Silly gullible f00ls will still be used and dumped[/s].
leadzeal: [s]When you give a name to a thing, you give it life. This shows the south east governors are not serious about setting up a security structure for the zone. What is joint security? We have always had that between vigilantes, police and the army. What the people need is an innovative security apparatus that's not alien to expectation of the locals. One that understand the needs of the locals. Kanu is just always ahead of these governors because he is working on the real sentiments of the locals[/s].
jlinkd78: [s]Nnamdi Kanu is d only one that has d Panacea for all d incurable ailments bedevilling these south east governors. Imagine copy copy governors abi copy and paste leadership. Who could have believed Umahi would have said all these gibberish without mentioning IPOB as d cause if not for d resetting of his brain by Kanu and having realized that d ESN was actually d people's project. Before now d likes of Umahi would have been ranting IPOB this Kanu that but d arming of these Nnamdi Kanu vigilante has made everyone to know d game is up. I knew dat truly politicians are only interested in furthering their political interest the moment Wike whom I once respected for his audacious disposition still fell for same bait and had to sacrifice d Igbos to repair his battered image before the Caliphate and the Fulani lords[/s]
Nobody trusts the sincerity of you governors and your bogus security network to protect the farmers. You are only interested in harboring bandits and killers in our forests to fetter the nest of your Fulani master. All that matters to you governors is your 2023 ambition and not lives of villagers lost daily.
The people deserve true security of their lives in their own village, and they have come together to form the ESN precisely for that. Those criminals regardless of their tribe who are hiding in forest camps to kidnap, kill and rape women in farms better leave our forests now.[/s]
RuddyFusion: [s]abum nwafor Igbo ....nwa Abia umuahi is unmasked as a treacherous dictator after who's just after his own pocket and that of his family ....Igbo have better sons that can represent us well for anything 2023[/s]
Kyase: [s]Really considering this igbo presidency too. But who is there to contest. I don't trust orji kalu Don't trust okorocha (Dem don demarket am) Peter obi na no go area sef. The only person I may consider there is umahi and that Anambra governor.... But they already demarketing umahi and the Anambra guy is an apga guy, so no chance for him[/s]
Is blessing in disguise for APC, except the stakeholders are foolish enough to give their ticket to SE, APC is hated with passion, the way Umahi was vilified shows SE will never vote APC, is just a gimmicks to field SE from both parties for them to usher in their darling PDP by default.
Says a Yoruba demon. APC is hated with passion yet Imo has been with the party since the beginning. Yet the same state has produced 2 Senators for the party for a long time. Imo state have been paying their dues to the party since the beginning. APC is hated yet Rochas, Ogbonnaya Onu, Ngige and many Igbo sons supported the party since day 1. Yet Ogbonnaya Onu and Rochas carried their factions to form what is now the APC.
Igbos hate APC yet they have a Senator representing Abia state and now a Governor representing Ebonyi state. We are not even counting the HOR members from the SE.
Whether you like it or not, the SE is producing the candidates of both the APC and the PDP come 2023. Those who want to commit suicide will be helped with rat poison to do so.
AsiwajuNdigbo: We must be resolved and assertive, in words and in action.
Look at these captions :
It is Igbo turn in 2023 Igbo should be allowed in 2023 Igbo working for 2023 president Others should allow Igbo in 2023
These are all wishy washy, dead end hopefuls. Wrong move!
Compare with these ones:
Igbo acknowledged as rightful president 2023. Others ceede 2023 to Igbo. Other zones talking to Igbo leaders for ministerial slots in 2023. North & West svramble for VP position under Igbo in 2023. Igbo considering NC candidate for VP in 2023. Igbo thanks Nigerians for its choice to lead nation in 2023.
What do you think?
I dont like the yeye hopefuls and weak statements that sugvests we are waiting for a decision.
IT IS ALREADY DECIDED AND IGBO IS NIGERIA's PRESIDENT-ELECT 2023.
Brothers speak affirmatively!
Good point. We must move from talking to action.
A Nigerian President of Igbo extraction come 2023!
BastardWike: Igbos can never be useless unlike you ikwerres that are totally irrelevant and useless. I have never and will never advocate for Ijaws to be part of any country with Igbos. Even if we want to team up with any minority, it will be the likes of Ibibio and Efik that are peaceful in nature and never Ijaws. It's not because we are afraid or can't subdue them in any hostility but to avoid having a flashpoint that will be inimical to our peace and progress. However, you ikwerres are done for, by the time we Igbos withdraw with our Igboid brothers in the South South, you will be left at the mercy of Ijaws who outnumber you, surround you and are more aggressive and savage, they will tear you guys to shreds
See how you are misfiring. IPOB tout! See how you drag Ikwerre into Izon stupidity. Face the foolish Bayelsans and leave Ikwerre out of it.
SaintBishop: Fvcking illiterate keep showing ur foolishness online, mumu.
Your brother piazena on this thread has been shouting how the Ogans are igbos on this thread.
You sure say u go school at all?
Clown. Go to school you won't go, but if na to join cult or militant na there you carry first. Illiteracy at it's peak. Can you show us where Pazienza called Okrika nay Ogan people Igbos? We maintain that the Okrika are neither Ijaw nor Igbos. There are Wakrike ethnic nationality with both Igbo, Ijo, and Ogoni heritage.
No one has the right to lay claim on Wakrike people. The message goes to the banished Izon landgrabbers from Bayelsa.
Politics / Re: Parallel Ohanaeze Elections Held In Imo As Obiozor, Ibeh Returned As President by Bonesking(m): 11:40am On Jan 11, 2021 