Two Anambra Local Governments Clash Over Renaming Of Road After Anyaoku

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A disagreement has erupted between Idemili North and Onitsha North Local Government Areas of Anambra State following the decision by the Idemili North authorities to rename the popular Limca Road after former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a decision that has been vehemently been rejected by the Onitsha North Local Government which insists that the road lies within its territorial jurisdiction. The development has sparked debate among residents and stakeholders over the legality of the action and the authority responsible for naming public roads within the state.

The controversy began when the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, announced the renaming of Limca Road, a major route linking Nkpor Junction with the area around the Mausoleum of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, at St. Charles Borromeo Roundabout. The road, which also connects Awka Old Road, the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway and the Obosi–Umuoji axis, was officially renamed “Ichie Emeka Anyaoku Road” during a brief ceremony held at Nkpor Junction.

Speaking at the event, the council chairman said the decision was taken to honour Chief Anyaoku for his outstanding service to the community, the nation and the international community, noting that the renaming was also intended to inspire young people to embrace integrity, hard work and dedication. According to him, society must move away from celebrating individuals of questionable character and instead recognise those whose lives represent discipline, excellence and selfless service.

Also speaking, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, praised Anyaoku’s reputation for integrity, stating that his record as Commonwealth Secretary-General remains one of the most respected in Nigeria’s diplomatic history. Represented at the ceremony by Ambassador Chimezie Obi, President-General of Obosi Development Union Worldwide, the elder statesman expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as one of the most cherished recognitions he has received and urging younger generations to see the gesture as a call to pursue service with honour and credibility.

However, the Onitsha North Local Government Area has strongly faulted the renaming, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional and a clear violation of territorial authority. In an official public notice signed by the Mayor of Onitsha North, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, the council maintained that the entire stretch of Limca Road, from the country home of Dr. Azikiwe through Borromeo Hospital up to Nkpor Junction, falls within the jurisdiction of Onitsha North and not Idemili North, insisting that only the legally recognised authority can rename any road within its area.

The council cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the Fourth Schedule, which vests the administration and control of streets and public spaces in the Local Government within whose territory such facilities are located. It further declared that any action taken outside such jurisdiction is ultra vires and therefore null and void, warning ministries, agencies, map publishers, logistics operators and members of the public to disregard the newly announced name until due process is followed.

Onitsha North also stated that it reserves the right to take all lawful steps to defend its territorial authority, stressing that the publication serves as a formal caveat against any official recognition of the new name. The council emphasized that Limca Road, also known as Old Enugu–Onitsha Road, remains its lawful designation unless changed through the proper administrative and legislative procedures.