A broad-based coalition of Anioma indigenes has intensified its push for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in Nigeria’s South-East, describing the long-standing demand as overdue and critical to the political, economic and cultural advancement of the Anioma people.
The renewed agitation, marked by a massive solidarity march and formal engagement with the Delta State Government in Asaba, also drew assurances from state authorities that they are not opposed to the creation of Anioma State.
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 state government. The coalition comprises indigenes of Aniocha North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West, Oshimili North and South, and Ukwuani.
In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the coalition stated that the Anioma people are ancestrally, culturally and linguistically Igbo, stressing that their quest for statehood and zoning to the South-East is rooted in shared history, identity and internationally recognised rights, including provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the group, the excision of Anioma from Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone would enable the people to better protect and advance their collective interests within the South-East, where they share deep historical and cultural ties.
The coalition insisted that the creation of Anioma State would not undermine Delta State nor inflame inter-ethnic relations. Rather, it said both states would coexist peacefully as neighbours, collaborating productively and leveraging their respective strengths for mutual development.
To demonstrate widespread support, Anioma youths and stakeholders embarked on a peaceful solidarity march from Inter-Bua to the Delta State Government House, Asaba, carrying placards and banners with 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.”
Other placards highlighted support from Anioma-speaking communities in Edo State, including Igbanke, Iruo, Owa, Riuzo and Ute Ohaeze, reinforcing the demand for Anioma State with Asaba as its proposed capital.
Driving the renewed momentum is a bill sponsored at the National Assembly by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko. The coalition commended his leadership, noting that the bill has continued to attract goodwill and bipartisan support across the National Assembly, signalling growing national acceptance 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, deepen political inclusion and accelerate development anchored on shared culture and values.
Describing the proposed state as a win-win arrangement, the youths noted that Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of Anioma State, while Delta State would have the option of designating a new capital elsewhere. They also appealed to 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, the coalition maintained that the Anioma Igbo identity could no longer be denied or downplayed. They urged the Delta State Government to lend both moral and political support to the bill at the national level, acknowledging the influential role governors play in the state creation process.
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 protesters, describing it as a sign of maturity, responsibility and genuine commitment. He disclosed that the governor had been fully briefed on the march and had directed him to engage the group and listen carefully to their concerns.
According to him, the agitation for Anioma State was neither misplaced nor improperly articulated and deserved sincere consideration. He reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic choice, the rule of law and the expressed will of the people, noting that leadership has a duty to respond to genuine aspirations.
Explaining the constitutional process for state creation, Prince Erijo said it involves petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration and the conduct of a referendum across all Anioma-speaking areas, including Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East, Ukwuani, as well as interested enclaves such as Igbanke in Edo State.
He assured the coalition 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 is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, Prince Erijo stressed that the Delta State Government would support any outcome that reflects the majority will of the people through lawful means, while urging unity among Anioma stakeholders to strengthen the agitation and eliminate conflicting voices.
