The traditional ruler of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III, has affirmed that the inhabitants of Delta North Senatorial District, popularly known as Anioma, are Igbos – supporting Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent classification of the people.
Speaking on a special TVC interview programme, Behind the Headlines, Obi Anyasi III stated that while there are claims to different ancestries, “Aniomas are statutorily Igbos.”
Reflecting on the historical and cultural identity of the Anioma people, the Obi—a veteran media personality turned monarch—explained: “The original concept of ‘Anioma’ (meaning ‘the good land’) was by Sir Dennis Osadebay, who proposed the acronym: ‘A’ for Aniocha, ‘N’ for Ndokwa, ‘I’ for Ika, and ‘O’ for Oshimili, using the additional letters ‘M’ and ‘A’ for poetic excellence.”
He described Anioma as a region naturally endowed with human and material resources: “Anioma is empowered by nature. The landmass is about 6,000 square kilometres, with a current population of around 2 million people. Its viability lies in a solid workforce, industries—both formal and informal—rich plant and animal life, cultural artefacts, and traditional dance patterns.”
Tracing the history of the Anioma statehood movement, the Obi said it began in 1954 in London under the Lyttleton Constitution, regarded as Nigeria’s first genuine federal constitution. Named after the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, it was designed to strengthen regional autonomy.
He noted that the demand for statehood has “witnessed nine phases of agitation,” with Sir Dennis Osadebay as the leading figure in the Anioma struggle.
According to the monarch, the movement gained renewed momentum last year when Senator Ned Nwoko introduced a bill for the creation of Anioma State in the 10th Senate of the National Assembly.
“The agitation represents a natural desire you cannot take away from the people,” he said.
On the debate regarding the geopolitical zone in which Anioma State should be located, Obi Anyasi III shared his personal view: “If you ask me as a person—if I had the right of first refusal—I would say South-South. But with the current political dynamics, that might not work well. The reported mindset of the President speaks to the need to balance the federal structure, especially with the South-East having only five states.”
He continued with an analogy: “When you bring food to the table—even in a local family setting—there are usually disagreements. Not everybody will agree to eat at the same table. So, if you’re expecting that every Anioma person will say yes, that’s not possible.
“ Everyone has a right to their opinion. But what I’m saying is, if the current political optics favour placement in the South-East, and we see we cannot change it, why don’t we accept it? That is the point.”
The monarch also spoke about the potential benefits of creating Anioma State: “The dividends of democracy will come closer with the creation of Anioma State. We’ve moved from Mid-West to Bendel, and now to where we are. We shouldn’t fear the future. I believe that with all we have, we can seek self-determination for our state.”
He commended the Delta State Government for its efforts. “The Delta State Government is doing its best with the available resources. The governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is one of the best governors we’ve had. He’s working hard to ensure that development trickles down. But like I said, desire is inexhaustible.”
Obi Anyasi III, described by TVC programme moderator Nifemi Oguntoye as a royal father who “embodies the cultural heritage and modern aspirations of the Anioma people,” continues to lead the debate that Anioma represents not only a viable state but also a historical necessity for balancing Nigeria’s geopolitical equation.
