“Aniomas Are Statutorily Igbos” — Anioma Monarch Declares, Reaffirms Historical Struggle for Anioma Statehood and Calls for Balanced Geopolitical Representation in Nigeria

The traditional ruler of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III, has firmly affirmed that the people of Delta North Senatorial District, popularly known as Anioma, are Igbos.

Speaking during a special edition of TVC’s interview programme Behind the Headlines, Obi Anyasi III stated that while there may be varying claims of ancestry, Aniomas are “statutorily Igbos,” stressing that Senator Ned Nwoko was correct in his classification.

The monarch further provided historical clarity on the origin of the term “Anioma,” recalling that it was coined by Sir Dennis Osadebay. According to him, “A” represents Aniocha, “N” stands for Ndokwa, “I” for Ika, and “O” for Oshimili, while the letters “M” and “A” were later added for poetic rhythm. He described Anioma as a people “empowered by nature,” with a landmass of about 6,000 square kilometres, a population of roughly two million, and endowed with a strong workforce, thriving industries, rich cultural artefacts, and vibrant traditions.

Delving into history, Obi Anyasi recounted that the agitation for Anioma statehood began as far back as 1954 during the Lyttleton Constitution era, considered Nigeria’s first true federal constitution, under the leadership of Osadebay. He explained that the struggle has undergone nine distinct phases of agitation, recently gaining renewed momentum with Senator Ned Nwoko’s bill for the creation of Anioma State in the 10th Senate.

“This agitation represents a natural desire you cannot take away from the people,” the monarch emphasized.

On the sensitive issue of which geopolitical zone Anioma should belong to, Obi Anyasi provided a balanced perspective:

“If you ask me personally, I would say South-South. But with the current political realities, it may not work well. The mindset of the President speaks to balancing the federation, since the South-East currently has only five states. If the optics favour the South-East, and we cannot change it, why don’t we accept it?”

The royal father argued that the creation of Anioma State would bring government closer to the grassroots while unlocking greater opportunities for development.

“The dividends of democracy will come closer with Anioma State. We have moved from Midwest to Bendel to where we are now. We shouldn’t fear the future. With all we have, we can seek self-determination,” he declared.

Obi Anyasi also took time to commend Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, describing him as one of the finest leaders the state has produced, though he cautioned that “desire is inexhaustible,” signaling that the people’s aspiration for Anioma remains alive.

Moderator of the programme, Nifemi Oguntoye, lauded the traditional ruler, describing him as a custodian who embodies both the cultural heritage and modern aspirations of the Anioma people. Oguntoye noted that Obi Anyasi’s voice reinforces not only the viability of Anioma State but also its historical necessity in balancing Nigeria’s geo political structure.