Ika Igbo-speaking communities in Edo State have formally declared their unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State, specifically advocating for its zoning to Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone. This position was solidified during a significant gathering of leaders, elders, and stakeholders held in Igbanke under the coordination of Apostle Azuka Okah.

Speaking through the Voice of the Indigenous Ika Igbo Initiative, the communities including Igbanke, Iru, Ekpon, and several other aboriginal settlements—are firmly demanding their inclusion in the proposed new state to end decades of perceived political marginalization and administrative neglect within Edo State.

The communities expressed deep frustration over a lack of basic infrastructure, citing dilapidated roads, underfunded schools, and a near absence of potable water and healthcare facilities. They argued that despite their economic contributions and tax payments, they remain among the most underdeveloped areas in Edo State.

This disparity, they contend, is a result of deliberate exclusion from decision-making processes where their unique identity is often suppressed. They described themselves as “politically stranded,” treated as outsiders in their current administrative home despite being indigenous to the land.

A central theme of the declaration was the restoration of cultural and historical identity. The Ika Igbo people of Edo State emphasized that they share language, customs, and traditional institutions with their Anioma kinsmen in Delta State and the wider Igbo nation.

They characterized the current colonial-era boundaries as artificial separations that have denied them a true sense of belonging. Joining a South-East-based Anioma State is viewed not as a sentimental move, but as a strategic necessity to ensure equity and a governance structure tailored to their cultural realities.

The stakeholders also used the platform to commend Senator Ned Nwoko for his persistent advocacy at the National Assembly regarding the Anioma State project. They described his efforts as visionary and timely, noting that state creation is a vital tool for restoring dignity and bringing government closer to the grassroots. By aligning with the South-East, the communities believe they can finally correct historical injustices and participate in a political space where their voices are respected.

Apostle Azuka Okah closed the session by calling for unity and peaceful, strategic engagement with the Federal Government and the National Assembly. He urged the youth to avoid violence and instead channel their frustrations into constructive dialogue and lawful agitation. The collective appeal to national authorities remains clear: the inclusion of Edo’s Ika Igbo communities in the proposed Anioma State is essential for national fairness and the sustainable development of a people who have long felt ignored by the current federal structure.