Ofekatta III Crisis: Indigenes Storm Imo Govt House, Accuse Onyedebele of Hijacking Community Affairs

Aggrieved indigenes of Ofekatta III Autonomous Community in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, stormed the Imo State Government House in Owerri, protesting what they described as alleged self-serving activities and interference in the affairs of their community by Austin Onyedebele.

The protesters, who carried placards bearing various inscriptions, accused Onyedebele of allegedly attempting to hijack community resources and affairs for personal interests.

Among the allegations raised were claims bordering on land collection, manipulation of community committees, interference in traditional leadership matters, alleged meddling in town-union affairs and controversy over the management of community development funds.

Some of the placards displayed by the protesters captured the depth of their grievances, with inscriptions including: “No Joy, No Peace of Mind in Our Community Because of Wicked Onyedebele.”

The protesters appealed to the Imo State Government to intervene in the crisis and ensure that the affairs and resources of Ofekatta III Autonomous Community were managed transparently and in the collective interest of the people.

They also called for an impartial investigation into the various allegations and demanded measures to prevent further escalation of the dispute.

The allegations made by the protesters could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report,as Onyedebele was also not quoted as having responded to the allegations.