Monarchs, stakeholders hit Okowa over comment on Anioma state creation

Traditional rulers and key stakeholders in Delta North have disagreed with the former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, over the creation of Anioma State.

While Okowa has expressed disapproval of the move, warning that it will be a disservice to Maryam Babangida to balkanise Delta State in the name of Anioma creation, traditional rulers have reaffirmed their support for it, urging unity among political leaders.

The monarchs described the obnoxious politics being exhibited by some of their sons and daughters as worrisome, warning against divisive actions capable of derailing the long-standing agitation for Anioma State.

The position was made known during 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.

The stakeholders stressed the need to refocus efforts on achieving the objective of statehood, insisting that partisan interests must not be allowed to frustrate the constitutional process already underway.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Technical Committee and Obuzor of Ibusa, HRM Louis Nwaoboshi, said the agitation for Anioma State dates back to 1980 and has been sustained by successive generations of stakeholders whenever opportunities arose.

He said that in 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Senate, took advantage of the opportunity by sponsoring a bill seeking the creation of Anioma State, with headquarters in Asaba.

He warned that history would judge harshly any individual or group working against the creation of Anioma State.

The monarch said, “This is a constitutional process, which we, the technical committee, are objectively piloting to fruition. 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. The focus of all stakeholders should shift from partisan politics to our age-long dream of our own state, Anioma.”

Nwaoboshi said the demand predates current political debates and traces back to historical injustices dating to 1939, noting that Anioma people were grouped with Benin despite their distinct identity east of the River Niger following the Ekumeku War.

He said Anioma represents a collective identity rather than a platform for division, adding that broader consultations would soon be convened to strengthen a united front.

The stakeholders also cautioned political actors in Delta North Senatorial District against actions capable of jeopardising the process, warning against premature endorsements of aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

They maintained that, as fathers of all, traditional rulers would remain non-partisan and committed only to the collective interest of Anioma people.

Also speaking, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno, HRM Henry Kikachukwu, who is also the Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, shed light on recent consultations with National Assembly leaders in Abuja.

He said initial uncertainties, including remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were clarified during engagements with federal lawmakers.

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

He stressed that the agitation was strictly for the creation of a full-fledged Anioma State and not for a separate geopolitical zone, dismissing claims of any proposed capital outside Asaba as propaganda.

According to him, Asaba’s historical role as headquarters of the Royal Niger Company further strengthens its position as the proposed state capital.

He expressed optimism following assurances from key national leaders, including the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that the demand was receiving attention at the highest levels.

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

He recalled that during the 2014/2015 political season, Anioma leaders pursued two major goals — producing a governor from Delta North and securing the creation of Anioma State.

“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 also endorsed Senator Ned Nwoko for another term in the Senate, commending his role in advancing the state creation bill.

The meeting ended with a resolution to convene Senator Ned Nwoko and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, aimed at reconciling them and presenting a united front for the Anioma State project.

Monarchs, stakeholders hit Okowa over comment on Anioma state creation