Asagba of Asaba Withdraws From Anioma State Committee Over Dispute on Proposed Boundaries

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has stepped down as chairman of the technical committee responsible for advancing discussions on the creation of the proposed Anioma State, citing fundamental disagreements over the delineation of the new state.

His decision was announced on Friday in a statement issued by his personal secretary, Jude Mgbeze.

According to the monarch, while he remains “irreversibly committed” to the emergence of Anioma State, his withdrawal became necessary due to “irreconcilable differences” regarding the boundaries, structure, and territorial composition of the state being proposed.

He emphasized that the Anioma State he supports must align with its “historically recognised Anioma entity”, a reference to long-standing cultural and geopolitical considerations within Delta North and surrounding areas.

The Asagba’s exit comes amid increasing debates about the location of the proposed state capital and competing interests among various communities.

His decision is expected to reshape ongoing consultations and could influence political and stakeholder alignments within the region.

The committee’s next steps, including the appointment of a new chairman, have not yet been announced.