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 Igbos.
Speaking on the TVC programme Behind the Headlines, the monarch said although there are claims of mixed ancestries, Anioma people remain “statutorily Igbos,” stressing that Senator Ned Nwoko was correct in his classification.
Obi Anyasi traced the origin of the name Anioma to Sir Dennis Osadebay, explaining that “A” stands for Aniocha, “N” for Ndokwa, “I” for Ika, and “O” for Oshimili, while “M” and “A” were added for poetic flow. He described Anioma as a region “empowered by nature,” with a land mass of about 6,000 square kilometres, an estimated population of two million, a vibrant workforce, cultural artefacts, and thriving industries.
On the long history of Anioma statehood agitation, the monarch noted that the movement began in 1954 under the Lyttleton Constitution, regarded as Nigeria’s first true federal constitution, with Osadebay spearheading the demand. He explained that the struggle has gone through nine distinct phases, gaining renewed momentum with Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent bill for the creation of Anioma State in the 10th Senate.
“This agitation represents a natural desire you cannot take away from the people,” Obi Anyasi said.
When asked which geopolitical zone Anioma should belong to, the monarch admitted that his personal preference would be the South-South. However, he said political realities point to the South-East, which currently has only five states, arguing that accepting this alignment could help balance the federation.
Obi Anyasi maintained that the creation of Anioma State would bring governance closer to the grassroots and enhance 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 said.
He also commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, describing him as one of the most effective leaders in the state’s history, though he added that the people’s aspirations remain inexhaustible.
Programme host Nifemi Oguntoye praised Obi Anyasi III as a royal father who embodies both the cultural heritage and modern aspirations of Anioma. He said the monarch’s intervention strengthens the argument that Anioma is not only a viable entity but also a historical necessity in balancing Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.
