…Onitsha North LGA, in a public notice, rejected what it described as a “unilateral renaming,” labelling the action illegal and unconstitutional.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Authorities in Idemili North and Onitsha North Local Government Areas of Anambra State are at odds over the renaming of Limca Road in honour of former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
The iNews Times earlier reported that Idemili North LGA renamed the well-known Limca Road on Wednesday after Anyaoku.
Speaking during a brief ceremony at the Nkpor Junction end of the road, the Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Stanley Nkwoka, said the move was aimed at recognising Anyaoku’s selfless service and inspiring young people to pursue excellence.
He stated that the key route linking Awka Old Road, Nkpor Junction, the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway, and Obosi-Umuoji Road would henceforth be called “Ichie Emeka Anyaoku Road.”
However, Onitsha North LGA, in a public notice, rejected what it described as a “unilateral renaming,” labelling the action illegal and unconstitutional.
In the notice dated March 20, Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Tony Nwora accused his Idemili North counterpart of تجاوزing jurisdictional limits by renaming the road.
He cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the Fourth Schedule, stressing that the control and management of roads lie solely with the local government in whose territory they are located.
Nwora maintained that Limca Road does not fall under Idemili North’s jurisdiction and warned that any attempt to enforce a new name would be challenged legally.
He added that the renaming was null and void, insisting that Limca Road remains its official name until due process is followed. The council also urged the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ignore the new designation, warning that legal action would be taken to safeguard its territorial authority.
In response, Idemili North LGA, in a statement issued on Saturday by its chairman, Stanley Nkwoka, said it had taken note of the objections raised by Onitsha North.
Nkwoka defended the decision, describing it as lawful and a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of the state whose global reputation has brought honour to Anambra, Nigeria, and beyond.
He reiterated that local governments have the constitutional authority to name or rename roads within their jurisdictions, insisting that the portion of Limca Road in question falls within Idemili North.
According to him, renaming the road as “Ichie Emeka Anyaoku Road” is within the council’s legal rights.
He, however, acknowledged that if any part of the road extends into Onitsha North, that council is entitled to name its own section.
Nkwoka called for mutual respect and cooperation between both councils, noting that Idemili North would continue to act in accordance with the law while recognising individuals of exceptional merit.
