Orlu Development Town Union (ODTU), Owerri branch like the generality of Orlu people is not in support of handover of the Old Imopoly premises to Orlu Catholic Diocese.
The Secretary of the branch, Dr Chiemeka Durunwa, who disclosed this while addressing Journalists at the Orlu Civic Center, on Monday September 9, 2025, said, “though few individuals tried to lure ODTU, Owerri branch to take a position in support of the Church but that didn’t go down well with thebpeople we lead as far as we are concerned, the collective interest of Orlu people and the need to protect our heritage is, and will remain paramount.
“ the General Assembly and the entire Orlu people have already reaffirmed their stand. That should be supported by all well meaning sons and daughters of Orlu community”.
The renowned medical practitioner further stated that, though he has nothing against the church, it is on record that the Catholic church has taken a lot from Orlu people in different guises. Hence, the outcome of the meeting held recently at Orlu on Monday, captured the feelings of the people. He pleaded with Orlu people to exhibit restraint, despite the clandestine and provocative antics of the church and their protégés.
“When the church came to Orlu, my late father donated eight plots of land to them for the building of the Holy Trinity. The church also built the Nwannegadi Micro Finance Bank that has now become its private business enterprise. Some of our people also generously donated portions of land with the belief that they will have access to the envisioned developmental projects like good roads, cottage hospitals, production factories among others that would have created employment for youths and at the same time enhance the socio-economic well being of the people. But regrettably, all this have become a mirage”.
