Benin, Edo – A Benin socio-cultural organization, with the name 'Aiguobasinmwin Movement', has issued a scathing petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, warning against what it describes as a “clandestine, reckless, and provocative attempt” to carve out parts of Edo South for the creation of proposed Anioma, Toru Ebe, and Oil Rivers States.

In a strongly worded letter signed by Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture (President) and Mr. Osayuki Benson (Secretary-General), the group accuses Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, of spearheading a surreptitious effort to influence Senate colleagues in favor of annexing the Igbanke communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State into a proposed Anioma State.

“This is not just a political maneuver—it’s a direct assault on our ancestral heritage, our sovereignty, and our territorial integrity,” the statement read.

The group insists that Igbanke has always been part of the Benin Kingdom, pointing out that no traditional ruler, including the Obi of Agbor, is crowned without the blessing of the Oba of Benin.

“The fact that three Enigies (Benin chiefs) from Igbanke are under suspension by the Benin Royal Palace is further proof of Igbanke’s firm root in Benin heritage,” the group said, adding, “It is alarming that Igbo settlers in Igbanke now want to dominate indigenous Benin-speaking people and rewrite history.”

The Aiguobasinmwin Movement decried what they called a “dangerous narrative” being pushed by some Igbo interest groups, describing their actions as a threat to peace and coexistence.

“It’s becoming a norm for some Igbo people who are tenants in Edo State to begin claiming ownership of lands they were graciously given for settlement. This creeping expansionism must be checked before it spirals into an ethnic crisis,” they warned.

Ijaw Settlers Accused of Plotting a Fresh Takeover in Gelegele, Ovia Axis

The group also raised alarm over what it described as a renewed push by Ijaw settlers from Bayelsa State to annex parts of Ovia North-East, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia South-West LGAsfor a proposed state called Toru Ebe or Oil Rivers State.

“We remind the public and federal authorities that the Supreme Court ruled in 1983 in favor of the Benin Royal Palaceon the ownership of those lands. The Ijaws were only temporary settlers—nothing more.”

The group warns that these territorial ambitions could ignite widespread unrest if left unchecked.

“Anioma Belongs in Delta, Not in Edo” – Group Warns

According to the movement, the historical links between Edo and Delta should not be twisted to serve modern political ambitions. If any land is to be ceded, they argue, Agbor—an extension of the Benin Empire—should be returned to Edo State, not the other way around.

“It is unthinkable to allow a minority of settlers to destabilize the historical and political map of Edo State. Their claim over Igbanke is as absurd as claiming Mission Road or Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Benin City,” they said.

Call for Action and Consequences of Inaction

The group urged the House of Representatives, the Edo State Government, and the Benin Traditional Council to immediately halt any backdoor moves to include Edo communities in any proposed new state. They also demanded the creation of additional local government areas in Edo Southto reinforce administrative control and development.

“If this letter is ignored and redress is not made, any attempt—real or imagined—will be highly resisted,” the group warned, calling the situation “a ticking time bomb.”

In conclusion, the Aiguobasinmwin Movement issued a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Assembly to act decisively and “protect Edo from being dissected by opportunistic political actors with ethnic supremacist agendas.”