The people of Igbanke, an Anioma-Ika-speaking community domiciled within Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have endorsed the bill for the creation of Anioma State, while demanding their inclusion in the proposal before the National Assembly.
They made their position known in a letter submitted to the Delta State Government during a solidarity rally held in Asaba on Monday, where they joined the nine local government areas that make up Delta North Senatorial District in endorsing the initiative.
Backing the demand for Anioma State to be zoned to the South-East geopolitical zone, the Igbanke people said they have six autonomous communities—Ake/Obiogba, Idumuodin, Igbontor/Idumuiru, Oligie, Omolua and Ottah—which are presently administered under Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State but are Ika-speaking.
The position was contained in a letter signed by HRM Lucky Osunde, Obi of Oligie Kingdom; HRM Julius Isitor, Obi of Ottah Kingdom; HRM Blessing Igiebor, Obi of Idumuodin Kingdom; Pastor Ifeanyichukwu Idagbon, President-General of Omolua Progressive Union; and five others, including Chief Jude Ogbekile, leader of the Igbanke Strategic Initiative.
In the letter submitted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori alongside that of Delta North representatives, the community described the agitation for Anioma State as a long-standing political and cultural movement.
According to them, inclusion in Anioma State would address socio-cultural exclusion, preserve their heritage and accelerate development.
“There is no gainsaying that Igbanke is grossly underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals and rural electrification. Joining Anioma State would bring prosperity and foster a sense of belonging,” they stated.
Other Ika-speaking communities in Edo State, including those from Iru, also called for inclusion, citing discrimination linked to their Igbo ancestry.
Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff to the Delta State Governor, who received the delegation, assured them of the government’s openness and support, noting that state creation follows constitutional procedures.