Traditional rulers and stakeholders in Delta North have reaffirmed their support for the creation of Anioma State, urging unity and warning against divisive politics that could derail the long-standing agitation.
They stated this at the maiden 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.
They stressed the need to refocus efforts on achieving the objective of statehood.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee and Obuzor of Ibusa, HRM Louis Nwaoboshi, said the agitation for the creation of Anioma dates back to 1980.
He added that the movement has been sustained by various stakeholders over the years whenever opportunities arose under successive governments.
“It is worth stating that in 2025, our illustrious son, Distinguished Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Anioma in the Senate, spotted the opportunity and acted immediately by presenting a bill in the Senate.
“The bill seeks the creation of Anioma State, with headquarters in Asaba.”
“This is a constitutional process, which we the technical committee are objectively piloting to fruition, ” he said.
He added,” a commendable achievement has already been recorded, but the obnoxious politics being exhibited by some of our sons and daughters is worrisome.
”Politicising the state creation movement under our watch is unacceptable and must be condemned.
“We are therefore here today to articulate ways and means of redirecting the ship of the movement to achieve the predetermined objectives.
”The focus of all stakeholders should shift from partisan politics to our age-long dream of our own state, Anioma. ”
Nwaoboshi stressed that the demand for Anioma State predates current social media debates, tracing its roots to historical injustices dating back to 1939.
He credited traditional rulers as pioneers of the struggle, recalling that Anioma people were grouped with Benin following their resistance during the Ekemeku War, despite their distinct identity east of the River Niger.
Nwaoboshi emphasised that Anioma represents a collective identity rather than a platform for division, adding that leaders would soon convene broader consultations to strengthen a unified voice.
He warned that any individual or group obstructing the creation of Anioma State would be held accountable by history
The stakeholders called on political actors in Delta North Senatorial District to eschew actions capable of jeopardising the ongoing process.
They vowed that anyone who attempts to thwart the project would not be forgiven, while also cautioning against premature endorsements of political aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
They emphasised their non-partisan role as fathers of all, urging unity among the political class and warning against divisive narratives surrounding proceedings at the National Assembly.
Also, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, HRM Henry Kikachukwu, shed light on recent engagements with the leadership of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Kikachukwu who is also Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, disclosed that initial uncertainties, including remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were clarified during consultations.
He noted that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps Benjamin Kalu, advised proponents to deepen consultations across the region.
Kikachukwu reaffirmed that the agitation is strictly for the creation of a full-fledged state, not a geopolitical zone.
He added that no official document suggested any alternative capital outside Asaba, dismissing claims of relocation as propaganda aimed at weakening the movement.
He maintained that Asaba’s historical role as headquarters of the Royal Niger Company reinforces its position as the proposed capital.
The the traditional ruler expressed optimism following assurances from key national leaders, including the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that the demand is receiving attention at the highest levels.
On his part, the National President of Izu Anioma, Dr Kingsley Ojei, reiterated that the creation of Anioma State remained the most pressing demand of the people.
He recalled that during the 2014/2015 electioneering period, Anioma leaders pursued two key objectives: producing a governor from Delta North and securing the creation of Anioma State.
“Between 2014 and 2015, Anioma people had two major requests: an Anioma Governor and Anioma State creation.
“Thank God, in 2015, we achieved the first. What remains is the creation of Anioma State.
“In the last two years, the agitation has gained renewed momentum, and we believe that once Anioma State is realised, every other aspiration of our people will fall into place,” he said.
Ojei endorsed Senator Ned Nwoko, commending his efforts and backing his return to the Senate to continue the push.
Other speakers underscored the need for unity among political leaders in Anioma land.
The meeting ended with a resolution to convene a roundtable involving Senator Ned Nwoko and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, aimed at resolving differences and presenting a united front.
