Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: L.Imafidon
Orhionmwon, Edo State – July 4, 2026 – The leadership of the Iru community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has denied reports suggesting that it is seeking inclusion in the proposed Anioma State, describing the claims as false, misleading and the product of social media misinformation.
The denial was issued in a statement signed by the community’s Odionwere and elders-in-council on Thursday, July 3, 2026, following the circulation of a video on social media alleging that the community was canvassing to be part of the proposed Anioma State structure.
Community leaders said the reports were entirely untrue and did not reflect any known position or demand from the people of Iru at any time, stressing that no formal request or agitation had ever been made regarding inclusion in the proposed state arrangement.
According to the statement, the viral video being circulated online was misleading and had been deliberately created to stir confusion and misrepresent the identity and political stance of the community.
The leaders categorically rejected the claims, stating that the Iru people remain firmly rooted in Edo State and have not engaged in any discussion or political movement seeking inclusion in Anioma State, which is still a proposed administrative creation under national consideration.
The community also addressed claims regarding its ethnic identity, rejecting assertions that it is an Igbo community. It explained that while the people of Iru speak the Ika language, their cultural and ancestral heritage is historically linked to the Benin Kingdom.
Community elders further stated that the Iru people are descendants of the Isi and Oso lineages, with deep ancestral ties to the ancient Benin Kingdom, and have been an integral part of Edo State since the early 1920s.
They described attempts to label the community differently as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension, urging the public to disregard such narratives circulating on social media platforms.
The statement also alleged that the video and associated claims originated from what it described as “mischief-makers” intent on creating division and confusion over ongoing discussions about state creation in Nigeria.
Reiterating their position, the community emphasised that the creation of new states remains the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government through the National Assembly, and not the subject of unilateral community declarations or online speculation.
The leadership reaffirmed its loyalty to the Edo State Government and its continued allegiance to the Oba of Benin, stating that it remains committed to peace, unity and lawful civic engagement within the Nigerian federation.
Calls for new states, including the proposed Anioma State, have continued to generate debate in different parts of the country, often accompanied by misinformation and contested claims about territorial or ethnic inclusion.
Political analysts note that discussions around state creation in Nigeria frequently attract competing narratives, particularly in border communities where cultural and linguistic identities overlap across state lines.
The Iru community urged residents and social media users to verify information before sharing, warning that the spread of false claims could undermine peace and distort public understanding of sensitive constitutional matters.
Authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the viral video, while the debate over proposed state structures continues within constitutional and legislative frameworks.
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