Urhobo leaders have renewed their call for the creation of an Urhobo State from the present Delta State, emphasizing their majority status and the region’s economic viability.
The call was made in a statement issued by the Committee for the Creation of Urhobo State, led by prominent Urhobo chiefs, who underscored that the Urhobos remain the single largest ethnic group in Delta State, constituting more than 50% of its population.
Spread across the three senatorial districts, the Urhobos hold dominance in Delta Central and maintain a significant presence in Delta South and Delta North.
The committee highlighted that the Urhobos have historically been a major force in the defunct Midwest Region and Bendel State and continue to dominate in Delta State, making a strong case for a new state.
According to the group, the Urhobos are not only the largest ethnic group in Delta State but also the fourth-largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria. They argue that the proposed Urhobo State would thrive due to its rich oil and gas reserves, agricultural potential, and existing institutions.
“The Urhobo people, who contribute over 50% of Delta State’s oil and gas production, have the economic and agricultural capacity to sustain a new state,” the statement read. It also noted that Urhobo land is home to vast forest reserves, including those in Mosogar, Abraka, and Oghara, and has the potential to boost both local and international food production.
The committee cited numerous existing educational and industrial institutions within Urhobo territories, including Delta State University in Abraka, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun, the Petroleum Training Institute, and various oil and gas companies such as Chevron Nigeria Limited and Shell Petroleum Development Company. These, they argued, provide a strong foundation for the establishment of a new state.
The leaders recalled previous attempts to push for the creation of Urhobo State, noting that calls for its creation predate the establishment of the defunct Bendel State. Past Urhobo representatives, including Senator Felix Ibru and Senator Adegor Eferakeya, also championed the cause at the National Assembly.
The statement signed by Chief (Sir) Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Chairman, Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, Director of Publicity, Chief Engr Anthony Onyokoko, Secretary, Chief Mathias Efe Olowu, Assistant Secretary, Chief Felix Edewor, Director of Mobilization, and Rtn Clement Udi, Director of Organization, further urged current Urhobo leaders, including Senator Ede Dafinone, to revive this effort at the National Assembly.
Chief (Sir) Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Urhobo State, called on all Urhobo sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the movement. The committee stressed that any Urhobo person supporting the creation of any other state in Delta is working against the collective interest of the Urhobo people.
“The benefits of state creation should not elude the majority for the minority,” the statement emphasized. It also pointed out that creating Urhobo State would bring the South-South geopolitical zone to parity with the North-West, as both regions would have seven states each.
The group concluded by urging all Urhobo stakeholders to embrace the call for the creation of Urhobo State, reiterating that the state would foster growth, development, and equality for its people.
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