Akpabio’s Aide Explains Why Anioma People Distance Themselves From Igbo Identity

Ken Okolugbo, Communication and Strategy Consultant to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why some people from the Anioma region of Delta State do not openly identify as Igbo, despite sharing ethnic and linguistic ties with the South-East.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT), Okolugbo attributed the reluctance to the lingering stigma of the Biafran War, which still influences perceptions of identity among some Anioma people.

He said:

“My full name is Ekenechukwu Chikwunonazu Okolugbo — that’s purely Igbo. But some of my people insist they’re not Igbo because they don’t want to be associated with the South-East, largely due to the stigma that region has carried since the Biafra war. So, they’ll tell you, ‘No, I don’t want to be identified with the South-East.’”

Okolugbo also praised the 10th National Assembly for recognizing and addressing Nigeria’s long-standing imbalance in state creation. He noted that while the South-West, South-South, North-Central, and North-East each have six states, the North-West has seven, whereas the South-East remains with only five.

According to him, the recent proposal to create new states — including Anioma, Orashi, Adada, Etiti, and others — aims to promote inclusivity and reduce agitation in the South-East.

He added that establishing a sixth state in the region would not only foster a greater sense of belonging but also serve as a step toward equity and reconciliation.

Okolugbo said:

“I commend the 10th National Assembly for realizing that this imbalance must be corrected. It’s not just about state creation; it’s about fairness. One of the major causes of unrest in the South-East is the feeling of marginalization. Creating a new state will give the people hope, a sense of belonging, and help ease tensions — including the Monday sit-at-home actions.”