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•Say we’re politically stranded, marginalised in Edo
From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Ika Igbo communities in Edo State, have lamented that they have remained 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 by their leader, Apostle Azuka Okah, said that this sense of abandonment has persisted through 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.
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 were 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 the 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.
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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 at the National Assembly over his advocacy which has rekindled hope among Anioma and Ika people across Nigeria. They lauded him for 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 were being taken seriously.
The people expressed confidence that with sustained support and unity among them, the Anioma State project would eventually become a reality.
Thus, the communities 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 Okah, leader and coordinator, Ika Igbo Speaking Communities in Edo State, had 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 was a collective one that requires discipline, clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment.
