Osita Oganah, a lawyer from the Igbo-speaking region in Delta State, has addressed recent discussions about the Igbo identity of people from his area.
In a video shared by Channels TV, Oganah explained that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an important Igbo cultural organization, includes members from Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, and Delta states. He said he was once the spokesman for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, so he has firsthand knowledge of its membership.
Oganah questioned why Igbo people from Delta are suddenly being told that they are not Igbo, especially when there are benefits at stake. He pointed out that people from places like Asaba and Anioma, where he is from, have always been considered Igbos. He also mentioned that during the last election, Ifeanyi Okowa, the vice presidential candidate of the PDP, openly identified as Igbo. He also said the late Asagba of Asaba, Dr. Chike Edozien, hosted meetings of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Oganah made this comment amid the demand for the creation of Anioma State
In Oganah's words: "Is it because now benefits are coming that I am no more Igbo and Asaba is no more Igbo and Onuchukwu where I come from is no more Igbo? At the last election, the vice presidential candidate of PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa admitted that he is an Igbo man. The Obi of Owa admitted that he is an Igbo man and the late Asagba of Asaba that died, Dr Chike Edozien hosted meetings of Ohanaeze. So we in Anioma are Igbos"
Watch the video from 23:09