User:Ngostary2k/Autonomous communities in Imo State

The autonomous communities in Imo state were carved out from their original indigenous communities. In 1979, there were less than 200 autonomous communities in Imo state but in 2021, there are almost 700 autonomous communities with more requests for more creation of communities. These communities are grouped under the twenty-seven local government areas of Imo State, South East Nigeria.

Autonomous community is a term used to describe a group of people living together in a community with shared values and culture, ideologies and boundary. This group belongs together and is recognized by the law with a traditional ruler called Eze. It is the responsibility of the State house of Assembly to create autonomous communities. The demanding community must have a written application stating the common tradition and common identity. There must be a minimum of 5,000 people of notable adults (men and women), a government approved secondary school, church and agreement to sustain the welfare of its Eze. The aim of creating autonomous communities is to hasten development in the grassroot levels.

The known characteristics of autonomous community is well defined boundary and the sharing of common infrastructures like schools, community health center, market and other social and economic institutions. It is also the responsibility of the community to elect or select its traditional ruler and he will be presented at the local government council. The Eze of the autonomous community is issued a certificate of recognition and given a staff of office.

However, the creation of autonomous communities in Imo State took a new turn between 2000 and 2015 with what can be termed explosion of autonomous communities. For instance, Dikenafai community has two autonomous communities created out it. They are the Nchoke and Nneato Ogwugwu autonomous communities. The third autonomous community named Afaidike, is on the process of being created from the mother community Dikinafai. In August, 2020, Governor Hope Uzodimma created three new autonomous communities in Imo state and presented Staff-of-Office to their traditional rulers. The new autonomous communities are, Eziama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano LGA, Nnannano Nkwerre - Imenyi Autonomous Community in Nkwerre Local Area and Nkwerre Opiegbe.

History of autonomous communities in Imo State
The term autonomous community became popular when Governor Sam Mbakwe administration announced the separation of communities that have been in hostilities for several years. The essence was to end the fight and restore peace for development. Thus, new communities were created from the original community with new traditional leaders. This action opened the demand for more autonomous communities. Many people from different communities started craving for their own autonomy. The pressure continued with the subsequent government who listened and created more communities in Imo state.

Some of the autonomous communities in Imo state
Ubah (Umuaka) autonomous community in Njaba LGA

Umuokanne autonomous community in Ohaji/ Egbema LGA

Mgbidi autonomous community in Oru West LGA

Umuokwara-Akokwa autonomous community in Ideato North LGA (Imo West Senatorial district-Orlu)

Awo-Mbieri autonomous community in Mbaitoli LGA

Okwunakuwa-Uvuru autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise LGA

Ihiagwa in Owerri West LGA (Imo East Senatorial district- Owerri)

Eziama-Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo LGA

Osuowere in Isiala Mbano LGA, (Imo South Senatorial district Okigwe) (Onyema Francis, Paul Eke and Eze Wosu (2018)

Notable places in autonomous communities in Imo State
Urashi River in Dikenafai