Appeal to Gov. Rochas Okorocha

We, the Arewa (Northern Community), Imo State, do hereby write this letter for your passionate intervention in the decision of the Executive Governor of Imo State to relocate the Hausa quarters Owerri, from its present location.

The present place of situate of Hausa quarters was created and established in 1897 through one of our ancestors called Mallam Yahaya and, since then it became the settlement place of all the Northern Communities.

The first northern communities’ leader is this Sarkin Hausawa called Mallam Yahaya, who settled at the Hausa quarters for years with his other northern brothers.

Upon the death of Mallam Yahaya, his son, Mallam Sule was turbaned as the Sarkin Hausawa (II) and upon his death also, his son who happened to be the father of the present Sarki, Alh. Saidu Baba Sule took after him as the Sarkin Hausawa (III) of northern communities.

All these people mentioned, settled and lived at this Hausa quarters with their other northern brothers, which is the position till date.

Aside residing at this Hausa quarters, they also married Igbo women as wives and had children who are also resident in Imo State. This Hausa Quarters to the Northern Communities resident in Imo State, is considered as their ancestral home, as most of them cannot trace their root of origin to any other place except this Hausa quarters, which has been in existence since 1897.

It is apposite to state that, because of the peaceful and harmonious relationship existing between Owerri people (indigenes) and this northern communities, the said Hausa quarters in Owerri is considered as one of the six clans in Owerri.

At present, three tribes are living in the Hausa settlement. The Igbos and Yoruba’s are also living with us. The Hausa and these other tribes having been living in the area prior to civil war.

Worst still, the relocation area is a market, relegating us to a position of mad people or “MAIGADS” that lives in the market. The fact is that our security is not guaranteed in the new place that we are to be relocated.

The historical antecedence of Hausa / Yoruba communities in Imo State, would never be complete in the absence of Hausa quarters.

Relocation of Hausa quarters from its original place will definitely completely destroy the sense of identity and the considered ancestral home of the entire northern communities in Imo State.

We the northern communities in Imo State are appealing to you kindly intervene and urge the Executive Governor of Imo State to rescind his decision to relocate us from our 120 years settlement. We welcomed the idea of giving our community a face lift as provided in the master plan but are opposed to relocation.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to bless you in all your endeavours.

Alh. Auwal Baba Suleiman, Sarkin Hausawa(IV), Alh. Mikaila Ahmed, Palace Secretary, Arewa (Northern Communities)