Delta State Government backs Anioma State creation as Oborevwori assures constitutional support while Anioma coalition and youths rally for South-East zoning.
Asaba | Monday, December 15, 2025
Anioma State gained renewed political momentum on Monday as the Delta State Government publicly affirmed that Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori supports the aspiration for its creation, provided the process strictly follows constitutional provisions, democratic principles and the clearly expressed will of the people.
The declaration was made at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, when Anioma youths from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District staged a peaceful protest to press their long-standing demand for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, said the Oborevwori administration harbours no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
“His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State,” Erijo said. “He believes in democratic choice, the rule of law and the supremacy of the people’s will, as long as the process is constitutional and lawful.”
Erijo disclosed that the governor had been fully briefed on the protest and personally directed him to engage the youths and listen to their concerns.
Commending the protesters for their peaceful conduct, he described their approach as “mature, orderly and responsible.”
“Your agitation is neither misplaced nor improperly articulated,” he stated. “It deserves sincere consideration. Government exists to respond to the genuine needs of the people.”
He urged Anioma stakeholders to maintain unity, noting that a common and clearly defined position would strengthen the advocacy.
“When the Anioma people speak with one voice, the demand becomes stronger and easier to advance,” Erijo added.
Explaining the constitutional process for state creation, the Chief of Staff noted that it involves petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration and the conduct of a referendum.
According to him, 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 East and West, Ukwuani – as well as interested enclaves such as Igbanke in Edo State.
“Once a referendum is conducted and the majority of the people express their desire for Anioma State, that decision will be respected,” Erijo assured.
Earlier, the protesting youths, operating under a coalition platform, reaffirmed their demand for Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East, insisting that Anioma people are ancestrally, culturally and linguistically Igbo.
Speaking through their leaders – Ofochi Atagana (Ukwuani youths), Ayo Ashiedu (Aniocha North), Kingsley Kainebi (Ika North East) and Chief Jude Ogbekile (Igbanke community) – the youths appealed to the Delta State Government for political and moral backing.
“Our identity should no longer be denied or downplayed,” Atagana said. “Anioma State is rooted in history, culture and self-determination.”
They described the proposed state as a win-win arrangement, noting that Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of Anioma State, while Delta State could designate a new capital elsewhere.
The renewed agitation aligns with advocacy by the Coalition of Anioma People in Support of the Bill for Anioma State Creation, drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District.
In a letter submitted to Governor Oborevwori, the coalition affirmed that Anioma people are Igbo by ancestry, culture and language, anchoring their demand on internationally recognised instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The coalition argued that excising Anioma from Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone would allow the people to fully protect their collective interests within the South-East.
“Anioma State creation will not undermine Delta State or strain inter-ethnic relations,” the coalition said. “Both states can coexist peacefully and cooperate for mutual development.”
To demonstrate popular support, the coalition organised a solidarity march to the Government House, with placards reading: “Anioma State is long overdue” and “Anioma people support reunion with the South East.”
Central to the renewed momentum for Anioma State is a bill sponsored at the National Assembly by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, which has attracted growing bipartisan interest. The coalition described Nwoko’s sponsorship as a decisive legislative step that has moved the Anioma aspiration from advocacy to formal national consideration.
Speaking for the group, Ayo Ashiedu, President of the Anioma Movement for the Emancipation of Anioma Nation, described the proposed state as fundamental to the people’s dignity and future.
“This is about correcting historical anomalies and strengthening political inclusion,” Ashiedu said.
Receiving the coalition on behalf of the governor, Erijo reiterated that the Oborevwori administration remains open to engagement and dialogue.
“Your message has been clearly received,” he said.
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