IGBANKE/Nigeria: The people of Igbanke in Edo State have once again reaffirmed their determination to be part of the proposed Anioma State, describing the move as both lawful and constitutional.
Their position was contained in an open letter issued by the Akiko Uwa Social Cultural Initiative of Igbanke and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The group rejected a petition submitted by the Aiguobasinmwin Movement (AM) against Senator Ned Nwoko, who has been at the forefront of the Anioma State agitation.
In the letter dated September 2, 2025, the forum stated that the petition signed by Osaro Culture Iyamu and Mr. Osayuke Osa Benson and submitted through Hon. Billy Osawaru Famous Adesuwa, did not reflect the views or interests of the Igbanke community.
The group dismissed the allegations that Senator Nwoko was inciting disunity and hostility between Benin Kingdom and Igbanke, insisting that the senator only responded to a legitimate call from Igbanke people to support their inclusion in Anioma State.
“Contrary to the claims in the petition, Senator Ned Nwoko is not inciting unrest. We the people of Igbanke approached him and solicited his assistance as a trusted leader of Anioma origin, whom we regard as a compassionate figure,” the group stated.
They emphasized that Igbanke is an Ika-Anioma speaking community, culturally and linguistically aligned with Anioma. The group further lamented systemic neglect and marginalization by political elites in Edo State, stressing that their demand to join Anioma is driven by historical, cultural, and constitutional rights.
Citing archival records, they pointed out that Igbanke kings were traditionally called “Obis” from ancient to colonial times before the nomenclature was altered by Benin authorities.
On the credibility of the petitioners, the Akiko Uwa Initiative argued that the Aiguobasinmwin Movement is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and therefore has no legal standing to speak for the people of Igbanke.
“The signatories of the petition are not from Igbanke; they have no cultural or historical affiliation with the community, do not speak the Igbanke dialect of Ika-Ibo, and lack the mandate to represent us,” the statement said.
The group stressed that Igbanke’s demand for inclusion in Anioma State and the creation of a local government are legitimate, citing Sections 8(1)–(6) and 9 of the 1999 Constitution as providing the framework for state creation and boundary adjustment.
“Igbanke’s call is not an act of rebellion or incitement but a legitimate and peaceful expression of our right to self-determination,” they affirmed.
The forum therefore urged the House of Representatives to dismiss the petition by the Aiguobasinmwin Movement for being constitutionally unfounded, protect the cultural and religious rights of the Igbanke people, and resist attempts by political actors to intimidate minority groups.
The letter was signed 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.
Thanks for your report. I think you misrepresented our letter. Please even if that micreant called Aiguobasinwan Movement are registered with CAC they still doesnt have any legal right to speak for we the Igbanke people.
They are not indigenes of Igbanke.
Therefore they should stop that their madness.
Igbanke are not binis.
From,
Engr. Nkem Obodoagwu