IHO DIMEZE MONARCH EZE AMAKU MEETS OKADA RIDERS, EMPHASISES REGISTRATION, SECURITY AND PROPER LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AS NEW EXECUTIVES EMERGE
By Emeka Amaefula
The traditional ruler of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, JP, Dimeze II, on Monday, June 23, 2026, held a meeting with members of the Okada Motorcyclists Association of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community at his palace.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the monarch to address critical issues concerning security, discipline, registration of operators, and the proper organisation of the association within the community. He urged members to strictly adhere to established regulations by ensuring that all motorcycle operators are duly registered and properly identified.
Eze Amaku stated that the Divisional Police Officer of Iho Police Division would be directed to ensure that no unregistered motorcycle operator is allowed to carry out commercial activities within Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State.
During the meeting, members of the association, including Mr. Maduakulam Anyagwa, highlighted the security measures introduced by the Iho Dimeze Town Union (IDTU), which include proper registration of members, payment of approved levies, issuance of identifiable marks, and documentation of all operators working within Iho Dimeze.
The importance of conducting background checks on members was also emphasised as a key measure towards promoting security, accountability, and responsible operations within the community.
The monarch further noted that some individuals who began their careers as commercial motorcyclists had, through discipline, honesty, and responsible conduct, transformed their lives and become successful members of society. He encouraged the operators to maintain good character, stressing that positive relationships and opportunities could create pathways for personal growth.
The meeting also focused on the leadership structure and election process of the Iho Dimeze Motorcyclists Association. Chairman Ezechi Desmond from Umuokoro, Nwankwo Chima from Oboro Umueze Ogwa in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and Eberendu Israel from Ekom in Nguguo Autonomous Community, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, expressed interest in serving as executives of the association.
According to Ezechi Desmond, the impromptu election held at Obi Eze was aimed at organising the group and establishing a proper leadership structure. He urged members to discourage roadside registration and ensure that all members follow the approved registration procedure.
He stated that, “you cannot be operating in Iho Dimeze without being registered,” adding that the N20,000 registration fee is mandatory for intending members.
Mr. Okechukwu Ugwuegbulem also stressed that all members should be registered during congress meetings at the association’s designated meeting ground.
Eze Dimeze II subsequently suspended the association’s constitution temporarily until after the impromptu election. The election was conducted through an open voting process by raising hands at the palace, where Ezechi Desmond emerged winner with an overwhelming 85 votes and was declared Chairman.
Mr. Lawrence Oforji, a native of Nguguo Autonomous Community, Ikeduru LGA, was appointed Chief Adviser to the association.
For the position of Vice Chairman, Chibuzo Mba from Umueze Uzoagba, Azuoma Cyracus from Eziama, and Mike Owuama from Umuomi Uzoagba were nominated. Azuoma received 74 votes, while Cyracus and Mike Owuama recorded four votes, with Chibuzo Mba emerging as the elected Vice Chairman of Iho Dimeze Town Motorcyclists Union.
Mr. Enwerem Thaddeus emerged unopposed as Secretary, while the position of Assistant Secretary remained vacant due to the absence of a nominee. Mr. Basil Ohalem from Alaenyi Ogwa Town, Mbaitoli LGA, emerged unopposed as Treasurer, while Mr. Peter Duruaku emerged as Financial Secretary.
Mr. Ikechukwu Ahamefule was nominated as Chief Provost of the association.
The monarch granted all motorcycle operators a one-month grace period to complete their registration, warning that failure to comply would attract enforcement measures, including possible impoundment of motorcycles by the police.
He also directed that any member absent from meetings without permission should pay a fine of N2,000, while latecomers would pay N1,000.
The newly elected executives were instructed to constitute a task force committee from within the association to assist in monitoring and enforcing the union’s regulations.
Eze Amaku officially renamed the Okada Union operating in Iho Dimeze as the “Royal Okada,” explaining that the name was adopted to promote discipline, responsibility, and loyalty among members. He directed that any member involved in misconduct or acts capable of undermining the authority of the association should be reported appropriately.
The proceedings were witnessed by members of the Eze-In-Council Cabinet and other prominent sons of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community, including Chief Odumudu Unachukwu and other distinguished stakeholders.
Also present at the event was High Chief Samuel Udeh, former Chairman of the Imo State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), alongside other community leaders.
Members of the association commended Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, JP, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, for his leadership, support, and commitment towards the growth and welfare of the Iho Dimeze Motorcyclists Association.
— Emeka Amaefula
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