Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, has said that the proposed creation of Ethiope State offers a unique opportunity to correct historical injustices, strengthen the Urhobo Nation, drive economic and social progress, and safeguard cultural heritage.
Speaking at the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review public hearing at the Chief D.S. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Dafinone, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Local Content and Legislative Compliance, stressed that the new state would address the longstanding marginalisation of the Urhobo people — Nigeria’s fifth-largest ethnic group and the dominant community in Delta State.
“The Urhobo people have endured structural exclusion under the current state arrangement, despite their demographic strength and immense economic contributions,” the senator said. “The creation of Ethiope State will correct these imbalances, ensure equitable resource distribution, and accelerate infrastructural development.”
According to the proposal presented by the Urhobo people, the new state would comprise the two Urhobo kingdoms in Warri South Local Government Area, the Urhobo communities in Patani Local Government Area, and all eight local government areas that are predominantly Urhobo.
Dafinone maintained that this arrangement reflects the “demographic and administrative realities necessary for statehood,” which he said are currently overlooked in Nigeria’s existing structure.
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