-PG Ekeopara appeals for calm, says issues will be resolve
OWERRI —Tension is reportedly mounting in Nekede Ancient Kingdom, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, following the imposition of a multi-million naira development levy on developers and business owners operating within the community.
9News Nigeria gathered that the community leadership recently introduced a development levy estimated at about ₦3 million, a move that has generated widespread reactions among residents, developers, and stakeholders within the kingdom.
The development has reportedly sparked unrest in parts of the community, with some residents openly criticizing the leadership of the President-General of Nekede Ancient Kingdom, Comrade Lordson Ekeopara.
Eyewitnesses told 9News Nigeria that palm fronds and leaves were allegedly dropped at the residences of some executive members of the community, an action traditionally interpreted in some Igbo communities as a sign of rejection, protest, or loss of confidence in leadership.
Some stakeholders argued that the newly introduced levy was excessive and could discourage investment and infrastructural development within the area. Further suggestions predicted to have a central collection purse wherein disbursements will be made. This will check several unapproved collection of levies in the community as suggested.
Critics further maintained that the financial demand on developers and property owners could force investors to redirect their projects to neighbouring communities such as Umuoma Nekede, Umudibia, Obinze, Ihiagwa, and other surrounding areas within Owerri West.
The aggrieved residents also warned that continued implementation of the levy without broad consultation could trigger further dissatisfaction among both youth and parent bodies within the community.
Speaking to 9News Nigeria, the President-General of Nekede Ancient Kingdom, Comrade Lordson Ekeopara, defended the policy, insisting that the levy was introduced to streamline revenue collection and eliminate what he described as multiple illegal charges allegedly imposed by some youth groups in the community.
According to him, some youth leaders had allegedly been collecting unauthorized levies estimated at over ₦1.2 million per facility from developers and business operators without the approval of the parent leadership structure.
“As the President-General of Nekede Ancient Kingdom, my executive has consistently advised the youth leadership to stop multiple collections from developers and allow a centralized system that will ensure accountability and proper disbursement for community development,” Ekeopara stated.
He explained that the community had already categorized the approved rates according to residential buildings, commercial properties, hotels, filling stations, and other business facilities.
“There are numerous developmental projects requiring attention in Nekede Ancient Kingdom. Properly coordinated revenue collection will help drive infrastructural and community development across the area,” he added.
The President-General further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to resolve the disagreement through dialogue and internal mechanisms while the community continues to observe the mourning period for the late traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Stephen Agumanu.
He appealed to developers, residents, and business operators to remain calm and cooperate with the leadership, assuring that a tactical committee would be established to investigate complaints relating to multiple levies and address concerns raised by stakeholders.
“The situation will be resolved without further delay. Developers, residents, and business owners should remain calm while we work towards restoring order and ensuring fairness in the system,” he assured.
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