The Iru community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has denied reports claiming it requested to be included in the proposed Anioma State, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Odionwere of Iru and the Elders-in-Council, the community said it had never, at any time, agitated or submitted a request through any channel to be carved into the proposed state.
The statement specifically dismissed a viral social media video alleging that the Iru people were canvassing for inclusion in Anioma State, insisting that the claims were fabricated.
According to the community, the Iru people have remained an integral part of Edo State since the early 1920s and are bona fide indigenes of the state.
The statement further explained that the people are descendants of the Isi and Oso lineages with ancestral roots in the ancient Benin Kingdom, stressing that they are not an Igbo community living in Edo State as portrayed in some online campaigns.
It noted that although the Iru people speak the Ika language, their culture and traditions are fundamentally Benin in origin.
The community also alleged that the social media posts and videos circulating on the issue, including one attributed to “Spirit Almighty,” were the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create confusion over the proposed Anioma State.
“The video is entirely false and should be disregarded in its entirety,” the statement said.
The community further pointed out that the creation of states in Nigeria is the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, with the National Assembly empowered to consider and determine requests for new states and their boundaries.
It appealed to members of the public to refrain from circulating false and misleading information on social media regarding the issue.
The Iru community also reaffirmed its loyalty to the Edo State Government and pledged continued allegiance to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
