As discussions about creating an additional state in the South-East continue, former Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesman Osita Oganah has called for the new state to be formed from Anioma in Delta State.
Appearing on Channels Television, Oganah argued that the Anioma people are Igbos and have the necessary attributes to function as a state, noting that the demand for Anioma State has existed for several years.
In contrast, Honourable Amobi Ogah, representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency, stated in a separate interview on the same station that their push is for the creation of Etiti State.
Ogah suggested that the Anioma people should wait for now, emphasizing that Anioma is part of the South-South region. The goal is to create a state within the South-East to bring the region on par with others in terms of state count.
During the interview, when asked if his brother (Amobi Ogah) is denying him, Osita Oganah, who is also a legal practitioner, questioned if the Anioma people are being considered non-Igbos now because benefits are emerging.
He insisted that the Anioma people are indeed Igbos, pointing to cultural similarities such as the recognition of four market days in both Igboland and Anioma land.
He said, "Is it now because benefits are coming that I am no more Igbo? Ogwashi-Ukwu is no more Igbo? Asaba is no more Igbo? Onuchu-Ugbo where I come from is no more Igbo? Agbor is no more Igbo?" Oganah further supported his argument by saying that, "Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwu Arthur Okowa, the PDP's vice presidential candidate in the last election, admitted that he is an Igbo man."
This ongoing debate notes the complexities and regional dynamics in the call for an additional state in Nigeria, reflecting both historical claims and current political aspirations.
You can watch the clip of the interview here (watch from 1:10 to 1:33 minutes).