Some stakeholders from Owan and Akoko-Edo areas of Edo State have declared support for the proposed Afemesan State, saying the move would promote unity and address long-standing concerns of marginalization in the region.
In a statement issued on Saturday under the banner of Owan/Akoko-Edo people of Edo State, the groups commended the Onojie of Uromi and other traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North for initiating discussions on the proposed state creation.
The statement noted that although the Owan and Akoko-Edo people maintain cordial relations with the Etsako ethnic group, they remain distinct communities with independent identities and interests within the Afemai region.
The groups also dismissed reports circulating online claiming that Afemai people had rejected the proposed Afemesan State, insisting that such publications did not represent their position.
According to the group, the people of Owan and Akoko-Edo have the right to speak for themselves on issues affecting their political future and regional development.
They alleged that for many years, their communities had suffered political marginalization both within Edo State and in Edo North, adding that key elective and appointive positions were allegedly dominated by the Etsako axis.
The statement further claimed that despite their contributions to the political growth of the Afemai region, Owan and Akoko-Edo communities had not received equitable representation in government appointments and leadership positions.
The stakeholders argued that the proposed Afemesan State would foster fairness, inclusiveness, and balanced development among the people of Edo North and Edo Central.
They therefore called for continued dialogue and understanding among all ethnic groups involved, stressing the need for unity, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement in discussions surrounding the proposed state creation.
