Imo Assembly Orders Renaming of Douglas Road to Dr Hope Uzodimma Road
By Kelechi Ugo
In a move aimed at correcting historical injustices and honoring indigenous leadership, the Imo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution directing the renaming of Douglas Road, one of the most prominent roads in Owerri, to Dr Hope Uzodimma Road.
The decision followed a motion presented during the House plenary session on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, by Hon. Barr. Chisom Ojukwu, the Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency. The lawmaker described the colonial figure after whom the road was named — Harold M. Douglas — as a symbol of oppression, citing his violent reign as the first District Commissioner of Owerri in the early 20th century.
“Harold M. Douglas is remembered in both official colonial records and oral traditions as a man who ruled with violence, forced labour, collective punishment, and massacres, including the Eziama Massacre (1904), the war on Norie (1905), and the Ahiara Massacre (1905),” Hon. Ojukwu stated during the motion’s presentation.
He criticized the continued glorification of such a figure in public infrastructure, calling instead for recognition of indigenous heroes. Ojukwu praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership qualities — describing him as capable, honest, and selfless — and proposed that the road be renamed in the Governor’s honour.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Engr. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu (Oguta) and co-sponsored by 13 other lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, and key House leaders such as the Majority Leader, Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, and the Chief Whip, Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri.
The motion received overwhelming support from the floor, with only one dissenting voice — Hon. Chief Worship Ebonine (Njaba). Following extensive debate, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, called for a vote, and the motion was passed with majority approval.
Key Resolutions Passed by the Assembly Include:
- Directive to the Executive Chairman of Owerri Municipal Council to begin the process of renaming Douglas Road to Dr Hope Uzodimma Road.
- Mandate to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to launch a public enlightenment campaign on the colonial history of Harold M. Douglas.
- Instruction to all relevant government agencies to update signage, official documents, records, and maps to reflect the new road name.
The Clerk of the House was also directed to formally communicate the resolution to Governor Uzodimma.
The renaming is part of a broader push by the Imo State legislature to decolonize public landmarks and reframe historical narratives in favour of indigenous identity and leadership.
