URUALLA CLAN ASSEMBLY REPORT

OVERVIEW

Urualla is a historically significant town nestled in the heart of Ideato North Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, Nigeria. Serving as the administrative headquarters of the LGA, Urualla is a community rich in tradition, culture, and resilience, reflecting the broader journey of many Igbo communities from ancient clan settlements to modern administrative centers. Geographically, the town is situated at approximately 5° 51' 14" N, 7° 5' 56" E, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. Urualla is a key part of the Mbanasa clan within Ideato North.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

The history of Urualla is traced back over a thousand years to its patriarch, Mbiagu, a hunter and farmer who is believed to have migrated from Achina in the present-day Aguata LGA of Anambra State. From Mbiagu, four traditional villages descended, forming the core of the Urualla community: Ezemeazu, Ozuakoli, Ozuomee (formerly Ozu), and Umuago.

The town played a notable role during the colonial era. In 1904, the British established a military presence in Urualla, alongside their administrative presence in Okigwe. The system of Indirect Rule introduced the concept of Warrant Chiefs, with Ezeanyika being the first Warrant Chief of Urualla. Following his death in 1909, Chief Okanumee Umeobiaeri of Ozuakoli served as a regent until Ezeanyika's son, Ezeugo (Okosisi I), came of age. Furthermore, Urualla became the site of a Native Court (later Customary Court) at Ugwumkpuruofe, which administered justice for the then-Nkalu clan (later renamed Mbanasa) and surrounding areas. 

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Urualla's governance structure blends modern local government administration with deep-rooted traditional institutions. The town serves as the headquarters of Ideato North Local Government Area (LGA), which was created in 1976. The traditional leadership is represented by the Eze Urualla, who traditionally holds the title of Okwara Mbiagu (the first son of Mbiagu). One notable traditional ruler was HRH Eze Barrister Edwin Ekwosu Okosisi Ezeanyika (Eze Urualla XI), who reigned for 45 years from 1977 until his death in 2022. The ancient palace, known as Aghofen Oghoo, is considered a national monument and one of the oldest palaces in Igboland.

The town is currently subdivided into eight autonomous communities recognized under Imo State law, reflecting the modern evolution of its traditional villages. These autonomous communities are: Urualla Ancient Kingdom, Ozuomee Urualla, Ozuakoli Urualla, Umuago Urualla, Umuezemeazu Urualla, Ozu Urualla, Umuakoli Urualla, and Umuagondida Urualla. 

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Urualla was historically an agrarian society, with the people relying heavily on subsistence farming and communal land ownership. The social structure is characterized by strong kinship and extended family bonds, with the principle of primogeniture (eldest son inherits) guiding leadership and land inheritance. Land is viewed not only as an economic resource but also as a spiritual link connecting the living, the dead, and future generations.

The town is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, highlighted by major festivals. The New Yam Festival is a significant annual event where the Eze Urualla performs the ritual cutting of the yam, symbolizing gratitude to the ancestors and the beginning of a new harvest season. Another important ceremony is Igbuawa, a traditional event performed during the Awa festival, which celebrates the community's cultural identity and strengthens communal bonds.

Urualla also hosts notable institutions that serve the wider region. Charles Heerey Memorial Juniorate is a Catholic girls' secondary school founded in 1959 that has educated generations of young women from the region. Immaculate Heart Hospital, located in Ozuakoli, is a private hospital founded in 1994, providing essential health services including surgical, maternal, pediatric, and general healthcare to the community. 

GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

One of the most pressing issues facing Urualla is the severe gully erosion that threatens homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. A major erosion site at Ezemazu-Urualla measures approximately 1.7 km long and 7.5 meters deep, stretching from St. John Catholic Church down to the Urashi River bank. The severity of this environmental challenge led the House of Representatives to declare Ideato (North & South) a disaster zone in 2025. In response to this crisis, the state government under Governor Emeka Ihedioha flagged off a ₦9.98 billion erosion control project for Ezemazu-Urualla in 2019, with funding from NEWMAP and counterpart support from the state, in an attempt to find lasting solutions to this menace. 

NOTABLE FIGURES FROM URUALLA

Urualla has produced several prominent figures in business, industry, and politics who have contributed significantly to the development of the region and beyond.

Chief Dr. Ferdinand Anaghara (OON) is a legendary industrialist and business magnate known as "Iyi 1 of Urualla" or "Anyaoha." His name became synonymous with rural development in Igboland, and he played a crucial role in the industrial growth and development of the region. He attended St. John's Catholic School in Urualla and went on to establish himself as one of the most influential business leaders in the region.

Chief Chika Emenike is the CEO and Chairman of KOTEC Group and founder of Tummy Tummy Noodles. Born on July 23, 1969, in Amanator Ozuakoli Urualla, he is known as "Ojichukwu Nnewi" and has diversified his business interests by starting production of Tummy Tummy Noodles in 2009. His manufacturing company has become a significant player in the food industry.

Chief Remy Nwagboo is a billionaire hotelier and businessman who owns Remychris Computers Ltd. He hails from Umuago Urualla and has made significant contributions to the hospitality and technology sectors.

Nze John Ngumoha, known as "Akaraugo 1 of Urualla," is the CEO of Orlu Hotels and Celebration Hotels Urualla. He is a member of the People's Club of Nigeria and has been instrumental in developing the hospitality industry in the region.

Michael Onyinye Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu is the current House of Representatives member for Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, serving from 2023 to the present. He represents the constituency at the national level and advocates for the development and welfare of the people of Urualla and surrounding communities.

NOTABLE LANDMARKS

Urualla is home to several significant landmarks that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. The Aghofen Oghoo (Ancient Palace) is a national monument and one of the oldest palaces in Igboland, serving as the seat of the Eze Urualla and a testament to the town's ancient origins. St. John Catholic Church is an important religious and historical landmark that marks the beginning of the major erosion gully that threatens the town. The Urashi River forms a natural boundary and has been central to the town's geography and livelihood. The INEC Ideato North LGA Office is located in the LGA Secretariat in Urualla, serving as the administrative center for electoral activities in the region. Charles Heerey Memorial Juniorate stands as a beacon of education, having served the community since 1959. Immaculate Heart Hospital, Ozuakoli continues to provide vital healthcare services to the people of Urualla and surrounding areas. 

CONCLUSION

Urualla represents the heart of Ideato North, embodying the resilience, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people. From its ancient origins under the patriarch Mbiagu to its role as the administrative center of the LGA, Urualla has maintained its cultural identity while adapting to modern governance structures. The town's notable figures in business, industry, and politics demonstrate the capacity of Urualla's sons and daughters to excel at the highest levels. However, the community faces significant environmental challenges that require urgent attention and sustained investment. Despite these challenges, Urualla remains a beacon of Igbo heritage, a place where tradition and modernity coexist, and where the spirit of community and kinship continues to thrive.

Report compiled by: UGOKWE COLLETE CHIKAMSO

Date: January 22, 2026

Location: Urualla, Ideato North, Imo State, Nigeria