The people of Igbanke in Edo State have once again made it clear that they want to be part of the proposed Anioma State and believe this move is legal and follows the constitution.
This message was shared in an open letter from the Akiko Uwa Social Cultural Initiative of Igbanke, sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In the letter, the group said a petition from the Aiguobasinmwin Movement (AM) against Senator Ned Nwoko, who supports creating Anioma State, was not in line with what the Igbanke people really want.
The letter, dated September 2, 2025, explained 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 true views or interests of the Igbanke community.
The group strongly disagreed with claims that Senator Ned Nwoko was causing division between the Benin Kingdom and Igbanke.
They said the senator simply responded to a real request from the Igbanke people, who want to be included in Anioma State.
They also said Igbanke is part of the Ika-Anioma speaking community, which has strong cultural and language connections with Anioma.
The group was upset about the ongoing lack of attention and support they’ve received from political leaders in Edo State, and they stressed that joining Anioma is about their historical, cultural, and constitutional rights.
They mentioned that in the past, Igbanke kings were known as “Obis” from ancient times up to the colonial period, and this title was later changed by Benin authorities.
Regarding the petitioners, the Akiko Uwa Initiative said the Aiguobasinmwin Movement is not officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), so they do not have the legal right to speak for the people of Igbanke.
The forum asked the House of Representatives to reject the petition from the Aiguobasinmwin Movement, saying it doesn’t have a solid constitutional basis.
They urged lawmakers to protect the cultural and religious rights of the Igbanke people and to resist any pressure from political figures who try to intimidate minorities.
Read also: Senator Ned Nwoko Confident of Anioma State Creation
