A broad-based coalition of Anioma indigenes has intensified calls for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in Nigeria’s South East, describing the long-standing aspiration as overdue and central to the political, economic and cultural advancement of the Anioma people.
The renewed agitation, marked by a large-scale solidarity march and formal engagement with the Delta State Government, has also drawn reassurance from the state authorities that they are not opposed to the demand.
Operating under the banner of the Coalition of Anioma People in Support of the Bill for Anioma State Creation, the group, drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, formally presented its position to the Delta State Government in Asaba. The coalition comprises indigenes of Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani.
In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the coalition affirmed that the Anioma people are ancestrally, culturally and linguistically Igbo, stressing that their quest for statehood and zoning to the South East is anchored on history, shared identity and internationally recognised rights, including provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the group, excising Anioma from the present Delta State and the South South geopolitical zone would enable its people to fully protect and advance their collective interests within the South East, where they share deep historical and cultural affinity.
The coalition was emphatic that the proposed Anioma State would neither undermine Delta State nor strain inter-ethnic relations. Rather, it expressed confidence that both states would coexist peacefully as neighbours, cooperating productively and leveraging their respective comparative advantages for mutual development.
To demonstrate popular support, Anioma youths and stakeholders embarked on a peaceful solidarity march from Inter-Bua to the Delta State Government House, Asaba. Participants from across the nine Anioma local government areas carried placards and banners reflecting the breadth of support for the initiative. Messages such as “Anioma State is long overdue,” “Anioma people are happy to unite with our Igbo brothers in the South East,” and “Anioma as the sixth Eastern State” featured prominently.
Other placards underscored solidarity beyond Delta North, declaring support from Anioma-speaking communities in Edo State, including Igbanke, Iruo, Owa, Riuzo and Ute Ohaeze, further reinforcing the call for Anioma State with Asaba as its capital.
Central to the renewed momentum is the bill sponsored at the National Assembly by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko. The coalition commended his legislative leadership, noting that the bill has continued to attract goodwill and bipartisan support across the National Assembly, reflecting a growing national consensus on the legitimacy of the Anioma cause.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ayo Ashiedu, President of the Anioma Movement for the Emancipation of Anioma Nation and President of the Anioma Pastors’ Forum, described the creation of Anioma State as fundamental to the identity, dignity and future of the people. He said statehood would correct historical anomalies, strengthen political inclusion and accelerate development anchored on shared culture and values.
Describing the creation of Anioma State as a win-win arrangement, the youths noted that Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of the proposed state, while Delta State would have the opportunity to designate a new capital elsewhere. They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to support the bill, reaffirming their resolve to be reunited with their kith and kin across the Niger.
Reaffirming their demand for Anioma State and its zoning to the South East, they maintained that their Igbo identity could no longer be denied or downplayed and appealed to the Delta State Government to lend moral and political support to the bill at the national level, acknowledging the pivotal role governors play in advancing such causes.
Responding on behalf of the Delta State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, received the coalition’s letter and addressed the protesters at the Government House gate. He assured them that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori harbours no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
Prince Erijo commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the youths and coalition members, describing it as a mark of maturity, responsibility and genuine commitment to their cause. He disclosed that the governor had been fully briefed on the march and engagement and had directed him to listen carefully to the group’s concerns.
According to him, the agitation for Anioma State was neither misplaced nor improperly articulated and deserved sincere consideration. He emphasized the government’s commitment to democratic choice, the rule of law and the expressed will of the people, noting that leadership had a duty to respond to genuine aspirations. Drawing from scripture, he remarked that “no earthly father would give a stone to a child who asks for bread.”
Explaining the constitutional framework for state creation, Prince Erijo outlined the required process, including petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration and the conduct of a referendum. He said such a referendum would cover all Anioma-speaking local government areas, Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East, Ukwuani, as well as other interested enclaves such as Igbanke in Edo State.
He assured the protesters that once a referendum is conducted and the majority of the people express their desire for Anioma State, that decision would be respected.
Reiterating that Governor Oborevwori was not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, he stressed that the administration would support any outcome that reflected the majority will of the people through lawful means. He also urged unity among Anioma people, noting that a common and clearly defined position would strengthen the agitation and eliminate conflicting voices.
