By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 17th february, 2025
The agitation for the creation an Urhobo State from the current Delta State has received significant support from members of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association (UYLA). During a media parley of its Abuja chapter during the weekend, the group insists that the proposed State would precipitate more development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region as a whole.
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This agitation reflects a broader push for state creation in Nigeria, particularly in resource-rich regions like the Niger Delta. UYLA emphasizes that the proposed state would accelerate development, improve governance, and ensure better resource allocation.
With over 7 million people, abundant oil and gas reserves, and other natural resources, proponents argue that Urhobo State would be economically viable. The group’s appeal to Urhobo unity, citing the legacies of notable past leaders, signals a strong commitment to the cause.
In a statement at the end of the parley, jointly signed by the Chapter President and Secretary of the UYLA, Comrade Kennedy Ejename and Mr Jonathan Idonor Ibrebru, the group contended that Urhobo State would bring governance closer to the people and enhance resource allocation for the speedy development of the new state within the Niger Delta region.
UYLA noted that the proposed Urhobo State would be the most viable state when created, considering its huge population of over 7 million people, abundant deposits of oil and gas, and rich natural resources.
Noting that the call for the creation of the proposed state is based on the fact that the Urhobos are the largest ethnic group in Delta State, they urged all Urhobo sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to unite behind the clarion call for the creation of Urhobo State. They also encouraged them to emulate the ingrained legacies of past Urhobo patriots such as the Late Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Late General David Akpode Ejoor, Late Chief Senator David Omueya Dafinone, and Late Chief Daniel Okumagba, who, throughout their lifetime, fought for the creation of a pan-Urhobo State.
UYLA stated: “We understand that the creation of a new state in Nigeria is a constitutional matter that certainly requires a constitutional amendment. Thus, we are calling on all federal lawmakers from Urhoboland to be the foremost vanguard for the creation of Urhobo State.
“Hopefully, this will make for efficient governance and drive economic growth and sustainability within the oil-rich Urhoboland. Those in the corridors of power know for sure that achieving the creation of Urhobo State in our dispensation and lifetime would be our biggest tribute to the memory of our past heroes, who, throughout their lifetime, fought for the economic liberation and cultural preservation of the Urhobo people.”
UYLA’s position comes against the backdrop of a list of 31 proposed states that were recently submitted as private member bills before the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Amendment, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
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However, state creation in Nigeria is a complex issue, requiring constitutional amendments, political consensus, and economic feasibility studies, which the National Assembly will have to grapple with as many ethnic nationalities are agitating for their own governance space.