By Sunday Apah
Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents the Delta Central Senatorial District, has asserted that the establishment of Ethiope State offers a crucial chance to address historical disparities, empower the Urhobo Nation, one of Nigeria’s key ethnic groups, and create new avenues for economic and social progress, improve governance, and safeguard cultural heritage.
During a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review at the Chief D.S. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Saturday, Senator Dafinone, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Local Content and Legislative Compliance, stressed that the proposed state aims to rectify the long-standing inequities faced by the Urhobo community—Nigeria’s fifth-largest ethnic group and predominant residents of Delta State.
The senator pointed out that the Urhobo people have historically experienced systemic exclusion in Nigeria’s current state configuration, despite their significant population and economic contributions. He stated that establishing Ethiope State would “correct this imbalance, ensure more equitable resource distribution, and accelerate infrastructural advancements.”
According to submissions from the Urhobo people, the proposed Ethiope State would include two Urhobo kingdoms in the Warri South Local Government Area, the Urhobo population in Patani Local Government Area, and all eight local government areas predominantly inhabited by the Urhobo. Dafinone argued that this geographic consolidation would embody the “demographic and administrative foundation for statehood” overlooked by the existing framework.
In addition to addressing historical grievances, Senator Dafinone underscored the substantial economic opportunities that Ethiope State could offer, noting that the Urhobo occupy some of Nigeria’s most productive oil fields. However, he lamented that their communities remain economically underdeveloped and excluded from decisions regarding resource management.
“While Urhoboland is a significant oil-producing area, residents have minimal influence over how these resources are governed or reinvested,” he stated. “The creation of Ethiope State would empower local control over resources, stimulate economic development, and promote responsible resource management under the guidelines of the Petroleum Industry Act.”
He elaborated on the solid economic potential of the proposed state, citing “considerable oil and gas reserves,” “extensive fertile land suitable for large-scale agriculture,” and “access to coastal regions and seaports such as Sapele and Warri, which provide vast opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime trade.” Dafinone also mentioned the presence of “valuable mineral resources” and “extensive forest reserves with substantial timber yields.”
He remarked, “According to the 1999 Constitution, proposals for new states must fulfill specific criteria, including popular support, defined territorial boundaries, economic feasibility, and legislative endorsement. Ethiope State meets these requirements, making it one of the most viable and legally sound proposals for state creation in Nigeria today.”
“Establishing Ethiope State would create a more coherent administrative structure, grounded in shared cultural values and identity. This would lead to more effective service delivery, greater citizen involvement, and policies tailored to local needs.
“With statehood, the Urhobo people would gain the autonomy to define their developmental priorities, implement localized policies, and assume responsibility for governance. This self-determination would enhance civic engagement and accountability.
“Ethiope State would be in a better position to pursue targeted development strategies to meet the needs of its residents, covering areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrialization.
“Recognizing statehood would validate the contributions of the Urhobo people to the Nigerian Federation, elevate our political status, deepen our sense of belonging, and bolster national unity and stability.”
Dafinone also highlighted the existing infrastructure as a strong institutional base, mentioning “Delta State University, Abraka; the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Federal Polytechnic, Orogun; and Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar,” along with key industrial assets such as “Delta Steel Company in Aladja and Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company Limited.”
Senator Dafinone reiterated that the formation of Ethiope State is not only feasible but also “essential” to rectify historical injustices, promote equity, and secure the rightful place of the Urhobo people within Nigeria’s federal structure. He framed the proposal as “a plea for fairness, efficiency, and inclusivity—core principles essential for a functional federation.”
