Ika-Igbo communities in Edo State have lamented that they remain politically stranded and administratively neglected within Edo State, declaring their unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

The people, in a statement issued by their leader, Apostle Azuka Okah, said that this sense of abandonment has persisted across successive administrations with little or no meaningful intervention from the state government.

They expressed deep frustration over the lack of basic infrastructure in their communities, highlighting poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, underfunded schools, lack of potable water, and the near absence of government-sponsored development projects.

Some of the Ika Igbo Communities' traditional rulers present at the gathering.

Some of the Ika Igbo Communities’ traditional rulers present at the gathering

A section of the Ika Igbo-speaking people in Edo, shortly after the gathering

A section of the Ika Igbo-speaking people in Edo, shortly after the gathering

These conditions, they noted, stand in sharp contrast to the resources generated from their areas and the taxes paid by their people, with little to show for it in terms of development or representation.

They argued that Ika-Igbo communities are among the most underdeveloped in Edo State, not because of a lack of potential or human capacity, but due to deliberate political marginalisation and exclusion from decision-making processes. They lamented that their voices are often ignored, their needs overlooked, and their identity continuously suppressed in a state where they are treated as outsiders despite being indigenous to the land.

Demanding their inclusion in Anioma State, they said that their position reflects years of accumulated frustration, neglect, and marginalisation experienced by Ika-Igbo–speaking communities such as Iru, Igbanke, Ogbagie, Igbo-Giri, Owa Ri Uzo, Otobaye, Oghada, Ute-Oha-Eze, Ekpon and other neighbouring Ika-Igbo aboriginal communities within Edo State.

According to them, recognising Anioma as a South-East State would not only address marginalisation but also promote national unity, fairness and balanced development.

They made their position known at a well-attended gathering of the communities’ leaders, youths, elders, stakeholders and representatives of these communities, held at Igbanke in Edo State.

Speaking on the platform of The Voice of the Indigenous Ika-Igbo Initiative in Edo State, the people stressed their cultural, linguistic, and historical affinity with Anioma communities in Delta State and the wider Igbo nation in the South-East.

Culturally and historically, the Ika-Igbo people reaffirmed their strong ties to Anioma communities in Delta State and the broader South-East, as they share the same language, customs, festivals, traditional institutions, and worldview with their Anioma brothers and sisters.

“These shared values have survived colonial boundary adjustments and political realignments that forcefully placed them under Edo State administration. For decades, this artificial separation has continued to deny us a sense of belonging and fair representation.”

To be a part of Anioma State is therefore not driven by sentiment alone, but by a genuine desire for inclusion, equity, and development, they explained, adding that being part of Anioma State and zoned into the South-East would restore their cultural identity, strengthen political participation as well as open doors for targeted development initiatives that truly understand and reflect their realities.“Anioma State creation would provide an opportunity to correct historical injustices suffered by Anioma and Ika-Igbo communities scattered across Delta and Edo States. State creation is not just about drawing new boundaries, but about restoring dignity, self-worth and a sense of ownership in governance. It would also bring government closer to the people, ensuring that grassroots development becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.”

They acknowledged the efforts of Senator Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, over his advocacy which has rekindled hope among Anioma and Ika people across Nigeria. They lauded him for his consistency, political courage, and strategic engagement at the national level in pushing for the realisation of Anioma State. They described his efforts as visionary and timely, noting that for the first time in a long while, their long-standing aspirations are being taken seriously.

The people expressed confidence that with sustained support and unity among them, the Anioma State project will eventually become a reality.

Thus, the communities passionately appealed to the federal government, the National Assembly and other relevant institutions to listen to their cries and consider the overwhelming support for Anioma State creation.

In his address, Apostle Azuka Okah, Leader and Coordinator, Ika-Igbo Speaking Communities in Edo State, called for unity, peaceful advocacy, and strategic engagement with relevant authorities.

He urged the youths not to allow frustration to turn into violence but to channel their energy into constructive dialogue, awareness campaigns, and lawful agitation, noting that the struggle for Anioma State creation is a collective one that requires discipline, clarity of purpose, and unwavering commitment. (The Sun)