Former Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government and APC chieftain in Delta State, Dr. Wilson Omene, has renewed calls for the creation of Ethiope State, advocating for political equity and economic empowerment for the Urhobo people.
Speaking in Mosogar, Delta State, Omene highlighted the Urhobo ethnic group’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy and their status as the country’s fourth-largest ethnic nationality.
He lamented the diminishing enthusiasm among Urhobos towards pursuing their collective interests and urged unity in advancing the Ethiope State agitation.
Reflecting on the legacies of Urhobo leaders like Chief D.O.D. Dafinone, the Salubis, and the Ukumagbas, Omene appealed to the present generation to emulate their dedication to community development.
According to him, the creation of Ethiope State would secure more senatorial and legislative representation for the Urhobo people, along with greater attention to their developmental needs.
“Urhobo cannot continue to be marginalised in a nation we help sustain economically. We deserve a state of our own,” Omene stated.
He also called on Urhobo journalists to consistently publicise the cause, emphasising the media’s role in sustaining the agitation.
Revealing a unified political stance, Omene disclosed that all Urhobo senators, federal and state lawmakers have endorsed a formal letter supporting Urhobo State creation, under the Urhobo Progress Union’s (UPU) letterhead.
He commended Hon. Etanabene Benedict for his active involvement in the advocacy and urged mass participation in the forthcoming public hearing on state creation, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, by the House of Representatives Committee in Yenagoa, headquarters of Bayelsa State.
“Urhobos are not beggars. We are contributors to Nigeria’s prosperity, and we must not beg for what rightfully belongs to us,” Omene concluded.
