The Igbanke community in Edo State has reaffirmed its commitment to being part of the proposed Anioma State, stressing that its decision is rooted in lawful and constitutional rights.
This position was made public in an open letter by the Akiko Uwa Social Cultural Initiative of Igbanke, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The group strongly rejected a petition filed by the Aiguobasinmwin Movement (AM) against Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and is at the forefront of the Anioma State agitation.
In the letter dated September 2, 2025, the forum described the petition—signed by Osaro Culture Iyamu and Osayuke Osa Benson and submitted through Hon. Billy Osawaru Famous Adesuwa—as “gross misinformation.” They noted that the allegations of Senator Nwoko inciting division between the Benin Kingdom and Igbanke were false and inconsistent with the aspirations of the Igbanke people.
The group emphasized that the people of Igbanke themselves approached Senator Nwoko to support their quest for inclusion in Anioma State. They highlighted the community’s cultural and linguistic ties with Anioma, citing archival records that Igbanke kings were historically addressed as Obis—a title common in Anioma communities—before being altered by external influences.
According to the forum:
“Contrary to the claims in the petition, Senator Ned Nwoko is not inciting unrest. We, the people of Igbanke, sought his help as a trusted leader of Anioma origin. Igbanke is an Ika-Anioma speaking community, and its desire to be part of Anioma State reflects its cultural, ethnic, and linguistic identity.”
They further argued that Igbanke has long suffered neglect and marginalization within Edo State, particularly from dominant political groups, and sees inclusion in Anioma State as a just and constitutional path to self-determination.
On the petition’s legality, the forum dismissed the Aiguobasinmwin Movement as an unrecognized entity lacking registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and therefore without the legal standing to speak on behalf of Igbanke. They also noted that the petitioners are not indigenes of the community, have no cultural ties to Igbanke, and cannot legitimately represent its interests.
Quoting constitutional provisions, the group stressed that state creation and boundary adjustments fall within Sections 8(1)–(6) and 9 of the 1999 Constitution, making Igbanke’s demand both lawful and constitutional.
The letter concluded with a call on the House of Representatives to dismiss the petition against Senator Nwoko, safeguard the cultural rights of the Igbanke people, and resist attempts by political actors to intimidate minority communities.
The document was jointly signed by Pastor Nwachukwu Ugbekile, Chief Jude Ogbekile, Dr. Ifeanyi Egede, Mr. Azuka Okah, Engr. Nkem Obodoagwu, Barr. Daniel Isioma Ugbotor, Mr. Sylvester Ojei, Barr. Ogumu Idumuodin, Dr. Evelyn Onwaiban, Mr. Austin Ebigwu, Engr. Lucky Emeghai, and Mr. Johnson Adaze.
