Ebonyi state Lawmaker Demands Restoration Of Abakaliki Street that was changed to Club road In Awka
In the often turbulent arena of Nigerian inter-state relations, the symbolic act of naming streets after sister states or cities has long been a gesture of unity and solidarity. Yet, recent developments in Anambra State, particularly the renaming of Abakaliki Street in Awka to Club Road, have sparked a wave of political tension, stirring what some now describe as an inter-state identity clash between Anambra and Ebonyi.
At the forefront of the outrage is Honourable Chinedu Ogah, the Member Representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Correctional Services. Ogah has publicly condemned the decision by the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to change the name of Abakaliki Street. In his strongly worded statement, Ogah has called for the immediate restoration of the name, warning that failure to reverse the change may compel Ebonyi State to reciprocate by renaming streets in its capital city that currently bear names of Anambra communities.
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This is not merely a dispute over signage. For many, it represents a deeper struggle over recognition, reciprocity, and regional respect in a country where ethnic and sub-ethnic identities often define socio-political relationships.
Abakaliki Street in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, had long stood as a symbolic gesture of unity, reflecting the cordial relationship between the two southeastern states. The street was reportedly named during the era of old Anambra State, which existed prior to the creation of Ebonyi in 1996. Its significance was not just symbolic but emotional, especially to the people of Ebonyi who saw it as a recognition of their shared cultural and historical roots with Anambra.
However, the recent decision by the Anambra State Government to rename the street as “Club Road” has not only drawn criticism from Ebonyi elites but has also sparked a larger debate about the meaning of such changes. According to reports, the name change was carried out without public consultation, and no official statement from the Anambra State Government has explained the rationale behind it.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Hon. Chinedu Ogah expressed deep disappointment over the action and demanded the immediate reversal of the name change.
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In his statement, Ogah did not mince words. He said:
“Professor Chukwuma Soludo should readdress the issue of changing Abakaliki Street to Club Street in Anambra. If he fails to do this, it will make Ebonyi people to change all the names of Anambra streets in Ebonyi State.”
He continued, highlighting the spirit of accommodation Ebonyi has extended to Anambra citizens:
“In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, we have Awka Street, Onitsha Street, Ekwulumili Street, Ekwulobia Street, Aforezuna Street and many others, and they have not been changed. Anambra has over 100 streets in Abakaliki but the only one street named after Abakaliki in Anambra State has been changed.”
Ogah framed his position as a matter of equity and mutual respect. He stated that Ebonyi had been generous in embracing people from Anambra, offering them not just residential space but also opportunities in business, politics, and governance. According to him, such a gesture should be reciprocated, not rebuffed.
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Street naming in Nigeria is often more than a formality. It is a deliberate expression of history, politics, gratitude, or remembrance. Streets are named after past leaders, cultural icons, places of origin, and sister states as a way of preserving heritage and fostering national cohesion.
In the southeastern geopolitical zone—home to the Igbo ethnic group—there is a unique expectation of solidarity among states. With a shared language, culture, and largely Christian population, states like Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, and Imo are expected to act in ways that reinforce this bond.
However, inter-state rivalries and political competition often disrupt this cohesion. What was meant to be a symbolic act of renaming may now risk becoming a flashpoint for discord, unless addressed with sensitivity and dialogue.
As of the time of writing, Governor Soludo has yet to respond publicly to Ogah’s demand. His silence has been interpreted in various ways. Some political observers argue that it is a strategic move—to avoid escalation or dignifying the issue with undue attention. Others see it as a political oversight that may worsen the situation if left unaddressed.
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Governor Soludo, an accomplished economist and former Central Bank Governor, has focused his administration on progressive infrastructure development, urban renewal, and institutional reforms. It is possible that the renaming of Abakaliki Street was part of a broader city modernization plan.
Yet, the apparent lack of communication about the change has given room for misinterpretation and political friction. Even if the decision was administrative and devoid of any intended slight, in the politically charged Nigerian atmosphere, such actions must be accompanied by thorough explanation and community engagement.
The dispute underscores the fragile nature of inter-state relationships in Nigeria. Though united under the same flag, many Nigerian states operate with strong regional identities, occasionally allowing local sentiments to override national unity.
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Ebonyi and Anambra, both part of the old Eastern Region, have historically shared political and cultural ties. People from both states frequently intermarry, collaborate in business, and worship in the same religious institutions. However, socio-political dynamics, especially in the post-civil war era, have sometimes created subtle competition among them—over federal appointments, resource allocation, and electoral dominance.
Ogah’s threat to rename streets in Abakaliki previously named after Anambra towns is emblematic of how quickly cooperative gestures can devolve into tit-for-tat retaliation. This could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other states to engage in similar symbolic battles over perceived slights.
Reactions to the controversy have been varied across social media and public forums. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook expressed support for Hon. Ogah’s position, citing what they perceived as repeated disrespect of Ebonyi people by Anambra elites.
“I totally support Honourable Ogah. Anambra people act like they are the only Igbo people that matter. This is not the first time,” a user posted on Facebook.
Others, however, felt the lawmaker’s reaction was disproportionate:
“So because they changed a street name, we should now rename 100 streets? Is that leadership or pettiness?” a commenter queried.
Some residents of Awka claimed they weren’t even aware the street had been renamed, let alone why.
“It’s just a street. People have always called it Club Road because of the clubs nearby. The official name didn’t matter much,” said a resident who identified himself as Nnamdi Okeke.
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This sentiment points to the possibility that the name change may have reflected local usage more than political intent. Yet, the absence of clarity from government quarters has only fueled further speculation.
While Ogah has made his appeal as a federal lawmaker, the jurisdiction over street naming falls within the purview of state and local governments. Legal experts argue that unless there’s a constitutional breach or federal interest affected, the matter may not warrant federal intervention.
However, the political implications—especially if the situation escalates—could prompt involvement from regional bodies such as the South-East Governors’ Forum or even the National Assembly, especially if other lawmakers from Ebonyi choose to back Ogah’s threat.
The Anambra State House of Assembly may also come under pressure to conduct a public hearing or investigate the circumstances behind the street renaming, especially if public sentiment sways in favor of reversal.
Across the South-East, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and civil society advocates have started calling for calm. Some have proposed a roundtable discussion between Anambra and Ebonyi leaders to resolve the matter amicably.
One such voice is Chief Emmanuel Udeh, a prominent elder statesman from Enugu, who said:
“This is not the time for division. What we need is unity. I call on Governor Soludo and Honourable Ogah to meet, talk, and resolve this issue with wisdom. We are one people.”
The Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo has also reportedly taken interest in the development and may soon issue a formal statement.
At face value, the renaming of a single street may appear trivial in a country with myriad challenges—security crises, inflation, unemployment, and infrastructural decay. Yet, in a context like Nigeria’s, where symbolic acts often carry weighty meanings, the importance of names cannot be dismissed.
Abakaliki Street was more than asphalt and signage—it was a symbol of mutual recognition between Anambra and Ebonyi. Changing its name, especially without explanation, has inadvertently reopened old wounds and revealed the simmering tensions beneath the surface of inter-state camaraderie.
For Governor Soludo, the challenge now lies in addressing the concern without appearing weak or capitulating to pressure. For Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the responsibility lies in championing his people’s interests while avoiding the escalation of regional antagonism.
Ultimately, both leaders—and indeed the people of the South-East—must remember that in the face of growing national divisions, the Igbo cannot afford further disunity among themselves. A name can be restored, but a fractured brotherhood may take longer to heal.
