By Wilson Macaulay
From MOSOGAR.
Prominent Urhobo elder statesman and former Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, has renewed his passionate call for the creation of Ethiope State from the present Delta State, urging all Urhobo sons and daughters to unite and take full ownership of the long-standing agitation.
Addressing journalists in Mosogar, Chief Omene, a respected chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that the quest for Ethiope State is not just a political ambition.
According to him,it is a legitimate demand for equity, justice, and sustainable development for the Urhobo people, Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic group.
“The level of apathy among our people, especially the youth, is disheartening. We must understand that no one will hand us a state on a platter of gold. It requires deliberate engagement and unity,” he said.
Chief Omene stressed that the state creation struggle is a collective responsibility that every Urhobo, at home and in the diaspora, must commit to wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on the legacy of Urhobo greats like Olorogun Michael Ibru, Chief D.O.D. Dafinone, the Salubis, and the Okumagbas, Omene called on today’s leaders to emulate their courage, foresight, and patriotic zeal.
“These heroes laid the foundation for our relevance in national affairs. Creating Ethiope State will further their vision and bring government closer to our people,” he noted.
According to Omene, the establishment of Ethiope State would lead to increased political participation, including additional senatorial representation, more federal appointments, and development initiatives tailored to meet the specific needs of the Urhobo nation.
He appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society actors across Urhobo land to rally behind this renewed push, describing unity as the most critical factor in turning the dream of Ethiope State into reality.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
