Anioma State Movement Gains Momentum as Igbanke Leaders Declare Loyalty to Nwoko, Demand Inclusion
IDUMUJE-UGBOKO/Nigeria: The agitation for the creation of Anioma State received fresh impetus on Friday as traditional rulers and community leaders from the Igbanke community in Edo State paid a solidarity visit to Senator Ned Munir Nwoko at his country home in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State.
Led by Ambassador Chief Jude Ogbekile and His Royal Highness Boba Igiebor, the Obi of Idumuodin, the delegation reaffirmed their unflinching support for the proposed state and passionately appealed for Igbanke’s inclusion in the new entity. The visit is part of a growing wave of regional backing for Senator Nwoko’s advocacy in the Senate for the establishment of Anioma State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Ogbekile underscored the community’s cultural and ethnic alignment with the Anioma people, despite being located within Edo State. “We are Igbo people in Edo State. Igbanke is not Bini. Our place is with Anioma, and we are here to restate our commitment to that reality,” he declared.
HRH Igiebor echoed the sentiment, describing the push for Anioma State as a journey towards restoring the people’s sense of identity and belonging. “Our people know who they are. We know our roots. Anioma State will help restore that sense of belonging,” the monarch said.
The visitors presented a symbolic e-flyer bearing the inscription: “IGBANKE IS NOT BINI — Igbankes Are Igbo Community in Edo State”, reinforcing their collective aspiration to be part of the proposed state. They emphasized that their demand is not only about administrative realignment but also about cultural and historical justice.
Friday’s visit is the latest in a series of consultations and shows of solidarity from communities and traditional institutions across Delta and neighboring regions. A similar visit was recorded in November 2024, when monarchs from Igbanke and Obazagbon lent their support to the Anioma cause, calling for inclusion, autonomy, and a platform for meaningful development.
Senator Nwoko, who has become the face of the Anioma State agitation in the National Assembly, continues to receive widespread backing for his proposal, which advocates the carving out of Anioma from the existing Delta State to promote equity and regional balance.
Political analysts see these sustained endorsements as evidence of the growing momentum behind the Anioma movement, especially as ethnic and cultural groups increasingly mobilize for inclusion in what could become Nigeria’s 37th state.
As support continues to swell from traditional institutions and grassroots communities, the Anioma State agenda appears to be transforming from a political ambition into a popular demand with significant socio-cultural resonance.
