Okpulu Landlords Association Protests Alleged Illegal Levy in Umunya

By Juliana Nwachukwu

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

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Say No to the Imposition of Illegal Levies,” “Chiagozie Nweke, Stop Attacking Okpulu Landowners,” “Oluatuegwu, Come to Our Rescue,” and “Chiagozie Nweke, Leave Okpulu Landowners Alone,” among others.

The association, led by its Chairman, Chief Stephen Oforleh (Award), alleged that Nweke is demanding a payment of ₦500,000 from landowners, despite claims that the land is sacred and traditionally exempt from such levies.

According to Oforleh, the land belongs to the Umuezeani family, and no previous administration has imposed or collected development levies on it. He stated that the association, through its legal counsel, C.B. Ukanze & Co., had formally written to Nweke, warning him to desist from the levy collection, but he has allegedly ignored the directive.

The protest also follows allegations of forceful levy collection, demolition of buildings under construction, and the assault of workers, who were reportedly flogged with machetes and threatened with firearms. Some of the affected individuals were said to have been hospitalized as a result of the attacks.

Oforleh further disclosed that payments had already been made by landowners to the Umuezeani family—recognized as the rightful owners of the Okpulu land—as well as to the Umunya Town Union and relevant government authorities.

Supporting the association’s position, a former Chairman of the Umuezeani family, Chief Emma Okwundu, stated that no such levies were collected during his tenure. He emphasized that the land is considered sacred and that authority over it rests solely with the Umuezeani family.

Similarly, Chief Onyeka Nweke (Ezennia), Chairman of the Umuezeani Kindred, confirmed that the land is sacred and described the caretaker chairman’s actions as unauthorized.

In response, Chiagozie Nweke denied the allegations, maintaining that the levy is intended for the development of Ezi Umunya. He further claimed that similar levies were collected by previous administrations and clarified that the land in question is Iyi Ota, which he said borders Okpulu land.

The association has appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo; the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Hon. Emma Nweke (Iga); and the member representing Oyi Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Ojicam, to intervene in the matter.

Meanwhile, the President-General of the community, through his Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Onuigbo, has assured that the issue will be investigated and that both parties will be invited for dialogue.

Other stakeholders who expressed their views include the former Chairman of Ezi Umunya, Chief Gabriel Okwundu (Dunga), and the Councillor representing Umunya Ward 2, Hon. Okwundu Ugonna.