ABUJA/Nigeria: A high-powered delegation of Anioma traditional rulers, political leaders and key stakeholders on Wednesday stormed the National Assembly to press forward renewed demands for the creation of Anioma State, signalling a decisive push within the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The delegation’s visit comes on the heels of the March 26, 2026 declaration by Senate President Godswill Akpabio indicating that Anioma State, with Asaba as its proposed capital, alongside a New Delta State with Warri as capital, are under consideration as part of sweeping constitutional reforms.
Addressing the leadership of the House of Representatives, the delegation described the Anioma cause as a historic, people-driven struggle spanning more than seven decades, rooted in the quest for equity, identity and administrative justice. The stakeholders dismissed claims that the agitation is being championed by a single political figure, stressing that it enjoys widespread grassroots backing across Anioma communities and leadership institutions.
They expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for sustaining the conversation on state creation, noting that the proposed restructuring of the present Delta State into Anioma and New Delta would catalyse development, enhance governance efficiency and ensure balanced regional growth.
Responding on behalf of the House leadership, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, described the National Assembly as a “fortress of democratic engagement,” reaffirming its openness to inclusive dialogue on critical national issues. He also conveyed the goodwill of the Speaker to the visiting delegation.
Kalu underscored that state creation remains a sensitive and rigorous political process requiring broad-based collaboration among traditional institutions, lawmakers, political actors and civil society groups. He explained that proposals such as Anioma State would be assessed on established criteria, including geographical balance, historical and cultural affinity, economic sustainability and prevailing political considerations.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that sustained engagement, strategic alliances and mutual understanding among stakeholders would be crucial in achieving meaningful and enduring outcomes.
The delegation featured prominent royal fathers, including the Obi of Ubulu-Uno, HRM Obi Henry Kikachukwu; the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, HRM Obi Charles Chukwunwike Anyasi III; the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu; the Obi of Ugbodu, HRM Oloza Ayo Isinyemeze; the Obi of Atuma, HRM Daniel Ogbudo; the Obi of Amai, HRM Paul Solomon Ifeneziuche; and the Obi of Ute-Ogbeje, HRM Chukwuma Jikeme I, alongside other royal fathers from Igbanke.
Also in attendance were Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, a former member of the House of Representatives for Warri Federal Constituency, who represented the Olu of Warri; Chief Leroy Edozien, the Ubili ka Nkwu of Asaba; Dr. Kingsley Ojei, National President of Izu Anioma; members of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee; and other stakeholders, further underscoring the growing momentum behind the long-standing quest for Anioma State.
