Omene Renews Demand for Ethiope State as Call for Urhobo Unity Deepens
By Wilson Macaulay
MOSOGAR
The call for the creation of Ethiope State has once again echoed from the heart of Delta State, as Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, a respected APC chieftain and former Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area, reignites the conversation with renewed urgency.
During an interaction with journalists in Mosogar, Omene emphasized that the quest for Ethiope State is not a new agitation, but one deeply rooted in the pursuit of equity, adequate political representation, and accelerated development for the Urhobo people — Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic group.
He expressed concern over the declining enthusiasm among Urhobos toward championing their collective interest, warning that apathy could jeopardize the realization of a goal that past Urhobo leaders passionately fought for.
“The creation of Ethiope State is not just about redrawing boundaries; it’s about securing our political future and ensuring that the Urhobo nation gets its deserved place in the Nigerian federation,” Omene stated.
Reflecting on the efforts of Urhobo icons such as Olorogun Michael Ibru, Chief D.O.D. Dafinone, the Salubis, and the Okumagbas, Omene praised their patriotic legacies and urged the present generation to match their vision with action.
He noted that the establishment of a new state would enhance Urhobo representation at the federal level, open more opportunities in governance, and drive grassroots development.
Chief Omene concluded by encouraging all Urhobo sons and daughters—regardless of political affiliation—to unite under one voice and push for the realization of Ethiope State, saying, “This is not a partisan project; it’s a generational responsibility.
