*Dr. Omene decries the marginalisation of the Urhobo nation
By Matthias Ogbagah
As agitation for the creation of Ethiope State (Urhobo own state) gathers momentum, the Nigerian Senate has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed state for July 19, 20254 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The public hearing is coming on the heels of the first and second reading of the bill on the creation of Ethiope State proposed by Hon. Etanabene Benedict, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.
The former Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government and APC chieftain, Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, renewed the call for the creation of Ethiope State for the Urhobo ethnic nationality during a media interaction with journalists, citing the need for proper representation, equity, and development.
Omene stated that the agitation has become more crucial now than ever, considering the Urhobo people’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy and status as the fourth largest ethnic group in the country. He lamented the dwindling enthusiasm among Urhobos towards supporting their collective interest, urging the people to rise and take ownership of the struggle for the Ethiope State.
Speaking at Mosogar, his hometown in Ethiope West, Chief Omene lamented that the Urhobo nation has lost its pride of place among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, stating that internal crises, political disunity, and lack of purposeful representation have rendered the once-vibrant Urhobo voice silent in national affairs.
While fielding questions from journalists, Dr. Wilson Omene, who is among the prime movers of the creation of Ethiope State, described the forthcoming public hearing on the creation of Ethiope State as all-important and urged mass participation.
According to him, th state creation quest gratified the wishes of past and present leaders of the Urhobo nation.
” Legendary Urhobo figures like Senator David Dafinone, Chief Sanubi, the Okumagba family of Warr, and the Ibru family of Agbarha-otor.These heroes, all departed, desired their own Urhobo state for genuine progress and cultural identity.
“Most people in the Delta Central senatorial district today want Urhobo to own a state. I stand for history and equity. It is not the pursuit of personal glory but an age-old collective dream.
Highlighting the political gains that would accrue to the Urhobo from a new state, Omene noted, “A state of their means three senatorial seats, nine federal constituencies, ministerial and ambassadorial slots. We cannot let these benefits slip by while we continue to play second fiddle in a state we built.”
He also highlighted the consistent economic contributions of the Urhobo nation since the days of the old Mid-Western Region, insisting that their sacrifices and wealth generation must be matched with political recognition. “Urhobo cannot continue to be marginalized in a nation we help to sustain economically. We deserve a state of our own,” he said.
He praised Hon. Benedict Etanabene, the House of Representatives member representing Sapele, Okpe, and Uvwie Federal Constituency, for spearheading the legislative push for Ethiope State, and revealed that the bill has passed both the first and second readings.
“The 10 Urhobo members of the State House of Assembly, UPU leaders, and even Senator Ede Dafinone have signed on to this vision. We must not fail at this defining moment,” Omene declared.
