…….Dein of Agbor Speaks Out,Oppose To Regrouping Anioma Into SouthEast
As the push for the creation of Anioma State gathers momentum, the debate is becoming more heated, with opinions sharply divided across cultural and political lines. At the center of this storm is the highly revered traditional ruler, the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, whose opposition to aligning Anioma with Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone has ignited fresh controversy. The monarch, known for his deep understanding of the cultural heritage of his people, has voiced firm resistance to the proposal, citing the risk of erasing Anioma’s unique identity and diminishing its political relevance if the region is absorbed into the South-East.
The idea behind Anioma State is to carve out a new political entity from Delta State, uniting the Anioma people who are predominantly of Igbo descent. However, the movement has met stiff resistance from traditional leaders like the Dein of Agbor, who argue that Anioma’s distinct history, geography, and political affiliations make it incompatible with the South-East. The monarch’s perspective is not just a mere disagreement but a defense of a cultural identity he believes could be lost in the political reshuffle.
The Roots of Anioma: A Region Rich in Diversity
Anioma, an acronym coined by Chief Dennis Osadebay in 1951, represents the four original local government areas of Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili. The region is located in the western basin of the River Niger, within Delta State, and occupies a significant landmass of about 6,300 square kilometers. It is not only rich in culture but also blessed with oil deposits, particularly in Ndokwa land, Akumazi, Umunede, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Erume, and Ute-Ogbeje.
Though ethnically Igbo, the Anioma people have evolved traditions that blend influences from Edo, Igbo, and Delta cultures, making the region a melting pot of cultural diversity. The Dein of Agbor has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving this diversity, warning that categorizing Anioma into the South-East, a region dominated by a monolithic Igbo identity, could blur the rich cultural distinctions that set Anioma apart.
Cultural Ties at Stake: Anioma’s Unique Connection to the South-South
The cultural connections between Anioma and its neighbors in Delta and Edo states are crucial to the identity of the region. Unlike the more homogenous South-East, Anioma’s history is interwoven with the western Delta and Edo regions, as seen in their traditional institutions, intermarriages, and shared customs. The Dein of Agbor believes that if Anioma is grouped with the South-East, these deep-rooted ties will be severed, leading to a loss of identity for his people.
“Anioma has always maintained a distinct identity within Delta State, and our ties to Edo and other neighboring communities are stronger than any affiliation we might have with the South-East,” the monarch has stated on several occasions. His concern is that the cultural vibrancy of Anioma would be diluted if the region is politically absorbed into the South-East, which already has a well-established Igbo cultural and political framework.
Political Consequences: A Fight for Representation and Relevance
Beyond culture, the Dein of Agbor’s opposition is rooted in the political implications of aligning Anioma with the South-East. Historically, Anioma has been part of the Mid-Western Region and later Bendel State, now Delta State. The geographical location of Anioma on the western side of the River Niger places it squarely within the South-South region. Aligning Anioma with the South-East, which lies on the eastern bank of the Niger, would create administrative and logistical challenges.
Anioma’s political influence in Delta State is undeniable, having produced influential figures like state governors and federal representatives. Within the South-South, Anioma enjoys significant political leverage, particularly in Delta State, where its contributions are vital to the political landscape. The Dein of Agbor fears that if Anioma is categorized into the South-East, the region would face stiff competition for political relevance, potentially reducing its voice within the broader political framework of the South-East, which already has five well-established states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
“The political landscape of the South-East is already crowded, and Anioma’s voice would be drowned out if we are grouped there. Our people are key players in Delta State politics, and we stand to lose that leverage if we are moved to the South-East,” the monarch warns. His stance is echoed by various Anioma groups who share the concern that their political influence could be diminished if they are absorbed into a region where their contributions may not be fully appreciated.
Economic Implications: The Risk of Marginalization
The economic implications of aligning Anioma with the South-East are another major concern. Anioma is a vital part of Delta State’s economy, particularly in agriculture, commerce, and oil production. The region’s proximity to the Niger Delta has fostered its involvement in oil and gas activities, aligning its economic interests with those of the South-South. Moving Anioma to the South-East, which lacks the same level of oil wealth and economic focus, could disrupt these ties and lead to economic marginalization.
“Anioma’s economic contributions are significant, especially in the oil and gas sector. Our region benefits from the resources of the Niger Delta, and aligning with the South-East could cut us off from these vital economic connections,” the Dein argues. The South-South’s focus on oil wealth has positioned it as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, providing Anioma with opportunities for growth and prosperity. If Anioma were to be placed in the South-East, the region might face challenges in maintaining its current economic standing.
The Battle for Anioma’s Identity: A Monarch’s Determined Stand
At the heart of the Dein of Agbor’s opposition is the desire to safeguard the identity of the Anioma people. Despite being surrounded by larger ethnic groups, the Anioma people have maintained a strong sense of uniqueness, blending different cultural influences to create a rich heritage. The monarch fears that aligning Anioma with the South-East, where the dominant Igbo identity often overshadows smaller groups, could lead to the erosion of Anioma’s distinctiveness.
The Dein of Agbor is not alone in his fight to preserve Anioma’s identity. At a recent Stakeholders Summit organized by Senator Ned Nwoko in Asaba, Delta State, the monarch reiterated his position, thanking the senator for pushing the Anioma State movement forward but cautioning against allowing politics to derail the cause. He warned that separatist groups like IPOB are attempting to hijack the movement to further their own agenda of creating an independent Biafran state.
“The movement for Anioma State is a dream for all ethnicities within the Anioma hegemony, but we must be careful not to let this dream disintegrate Nigeria. Our future lies in unity, and we must resist any attempt to divide us for political gain,” the Dein stated at the summit.
Anioma groups, including Onu Ika and the Agbor Youths group, have also voiced their support for the monarch’s stance. They insist that any future Anioma State must remain part of the South-South region, where the people’s cultural and political interests are better aligned. “Agbor Kingdom has no shared history with the Igbo before or after British colonialism, and we will remain united in the quest for Anioma State within the South-South,” they declared.
Conclusion: A Complex Struggle for Identity, Politics, and Economic Stability
As the agitation for Anioma State continues to unfold, the debate over its regional alignment highlights the complex interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors. The Dein of Agbor’s vocal opposition to aligning Anioma with the South-East reflects a deep-rooted desire to preserve the region’s unique identity, maintain its political relevance, and secure its economic future within the South-South.
The future of Anioma is not just a question of geographical placement; it is a battle for the soul of a people who have fought to assert their uniqueness in the face of larger, more dominant ethnic groups. As the movement for state creation presses on, the Dein’s perspective serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect the cultural and political integrity of the Anioma people. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape the region’s future for generations to come.
Peoplesmind