The Traditional Ruler of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III, has reaffirmed that the people of Delta North Senatorial District, popularly known as Anioma, are of Igbo origin, endorsing Senator Ned Nwoko’s position on the subject.
Speaking during a special TVC interview programme, Behind the Headlines, Obi Anyasi III said that while there are “claims to different ancestries,” the Anioma are “statutorily Igbos.”
The monarch, a veteran media professional before ascending the throne, also reflected on the history and identity of the Anioma people. He explained that the concept of “Anioma” (meaning the good land) was coined by Sir Dennis Osadebay, who used the acronym to represent Aniocha (A), Ndokwa (N), Ika (I), and Oshimili (O), adding M and A for poetic balance.
According to him, Anioma is blessed by nature, with a land mass of about 6,000 square kilometers and a population of roughly two million people. Its viability, he said, lies in a strong workforce, cultural heritage, and thriving informal and formal sectors.
Obi Anyasi traced the agitation for Anioma statehood back to 1954 during the Lyttleton Constitution era, describing it as “a natural desire you cannot take away from the people.”
He noted that the struggle, which has passed through at least nine phases, had Osadebay as its pioneer and has gained fresh momentum since Senator Ned Nwoko introduced a bill for Anioma State creation in the 10th Senate.
On the debate over whether Anioma State should be situated in the South-South or South-East geopolitical zone, the monarch said:
“If you ask me personally, I will say South-South. But with the current political realities, it may not work well. The President’s reported mindset is to balance the federal structure by giving the South-East six states. If that becomes the case, why don’t we accept it?”
Using a metaphor, he added: “When food is brought to the table in a family setting, not everyone will agree on how it is shared. Public opinion will differ. But if the political optics favour the South-East and we cannot change it, then we must accept it.”
Highlighting the potential benefits, the monarch stressed that Anioma State would bring governance closer to the people and expand development opportunities.
> “The dividends of democracy will come closer with Anioma State creation. We moved from Midwest to Bendel to Delta. We should not fear the future. With all we have, we can seek self-determination for our state,” he said.
While commending the efforts of the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who he described as “one of the best governors we have had”, Obi Anyasi noted that the people’s aspirations for greater inclusion remain valid and inexhaustible.
The programme’s moderator, Nifemi Oguntoye, described Obi Anyasi III as a royal father who “embodies the cultural heritage and modern aspirations of the Anioma people.”
With his firm stance, the Idumuje-Unor monarch reinforced the view that the Anioma question is not only about identity but also a historical necessity in balancing Nigeria’s geopolitical equation.
