The Igbanke community in Edo State has reaffirmed its commitment to be part of the proposed Anioma State, dismissing as false and misleading a petition submitted to the House of Representatives against Senator Ned Nwoko.
In an open letter dated September 2, 2025, the Akiko Uwa Socio-Cultural Initiative of Igbanke, speaking on behalf of the community, described the petition by a group known as Aiguobasinmwin Movement (AM) as “gross misinformation” and lacking legal standing.
The petition, signed by Osaro Culture Iyamu and Osayuke Osa Benson and reportedly submitted through Hon. Billy Osawaru Famous Adesuwa, had accused Senator Nwoko of inciting disunity between the Benin Kingdom and Igbanke people.
Rejecting the allegations, the Igbanke group clarified that the community itself had approached Senator Nwoko, whom they regard as a trusted Anioma leader, to support their quest for inclusion in the proposed Anioma State.
“Contrary to the claims in the petition, Senator Ned Nwoko is not inciting unrest. His involvement is entirely lawful and in direct response to the appeal of the Igbanke people. We are Ika-Anioma speaking, with ethnic, cultural, and linguistic affinity to Anioma. Our demand is constitutional, not rebellious,” the letter stated.
The forum also drew attention to historical records, noting that Igbanke kings were traditionally called Obis from ancient to colonial times, before the nomenclature was changed under Benin influence. It added that the community had long faced neglect and systemic marginalization within Edo State.
The group further questioned the legitimacy of Aiguobasinmwin Movement, insisting it is neither registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) nor representative of the Igbanke people.
“The signatories of the petition are not from Igbanke. They neither speak our dialect of the Ika-Ibo language nor understand our traditions. They lack the mandate to speak for us,” the forum emphasized.
Citing Sections 8(1)–(6) and 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the letter maintained that the demand for Anioma State and a local government for Igbanke was both lawful and constitutional, amounting to a peaceful expression of self-determination.
The letter urged the House of Representatives to dismiss the petition for being constitutionally baseless and to safeguard the rights of the Igbanke people against political intimidation.
The statement was endorsed on behalf of the community by Pastor Nwachukwu Ugbekile, Chief Jude Ogbekile, Dr. Ifeanyi Egede, Mr. Azuka Okah, Engr. Nkem Obodoagwu, Barr. Daniel Isioma Ugbotor, Mr. Sylvester Ojei, Barr. Ogumu Idumuodin, Dr. Evelyn Onwaiban, Mr. Austin Ebigwu, Engr. Lucky Emeghai, and Mr. Johnson Adaze.
