Traditional rulers and key stakeholders in Delta North have openly disagreed with former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, over the proposed creation of Anioma State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While Okowa had opposed the initiative, cautioning that it would amount to dismembering Delta State and arguing that such a move would undermine the legacy of Maryam Babangida, traditional rulers in the region have restated their strong support for the state creation. They also called on political leaders to close ranks and act in unity.

The monarchs further expressed concern over what they described as unhealthy political divisions among some sons and daughters of Anioma land, warning that such conduct could derail the long-standing agitation for statehood.

This position was made public during the inaugural meeting of the Technical Committee on the Creation of Anioma State, held at the palace of the Obuzor of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The stakeholders emphasised the need to stay focused on achieving statehood, stressing that partisan interests must not be allowed to interfere with the constitutional process already in motion.

In his remarks, the committee chairman and Obuzor of Ibusa, HRM Louis Nwaoboshi, noted that the agitation for Anioma State dates back to 1980 and has remained consistent across generations of advocates whenever opportunities arose.

He explained that in 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Senate, sponsored a bill seeking the creation of Anioma State with Asaba proposed as the capital.

Nwaoboshi warned that history would not be kind to anyone working against the realisation of the state, insisting that the process is constitutional and being carefully guided by the technical committee.

He also criticised what he termed unnecessary politicisation of the movement, urging stakeholders to prioritise the collective aspiration over political rivalries.

According to him, the demand for Anioma State is rooted in historical grievances dating back to 1939, when Anioma communities were administratively grouped with Benin despite their distinct identity east of the River Niger following the Ekumeku War.

He added that Anioma should be seen as a shared identity rather than a divisive project, noting that wider consultations would soon be held to strengthen unity among supporters.

The stakeholders also cautioned political actors in Delta North against actions that could undermine the process, including premature endorsements of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

They reiterated that traditional rulers would remain neutral and focused solely on the collective interest of the Anioma people.

Also speaking, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno and Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Henry Kikachukwu, referenced recent consultations with National Assembly leaders in Abuja.

He explained that earlier uncertainties, including comments attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were clarified during engagements with federal lawmakers.

Kikachukwu also revealed that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, advised proponents of the state creation to expand consultations across the region.

He maintained that the agitation is strictly for the creation of Anioma State and not a separate geopolitical zone, dismissing claims about any capital outside Asaba as misinformation. He further noted Asaba’s historical significance as a former headquarters of the Royal Niger Company as justification for its proposed status as capital.

He expressed optimism, citing assurances from top national leaders, including the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that the proposal is receiving attention at the highest level.

On his part, the National President of Izu Anioma, Dr Kingsley Ojei, described the creation of Anioma State as the foremost demand of the people.

He recalled that during the 2014/2015 political period, Anioma leaders pursued two key objectives: producing a governor from Delta North and securing the creation of Anioma State. He noted that while the first goal was achieved in 2015, the second remains outstanding.

Ojei added that renewed momentum in recent years has strengthened the agitation, expressing confidence that achieving statehood would unlock other aspirations of the Anioma people.

He also endorsed Senator Ned Nwoko for another term in the Senate, praising his role in sponsoring the state creation bill.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to engage both Senator Ned Nwoko and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in reconciliation efforts aimed at presenting a united front for the Anioma State project.