The agitation by some oil-producing areas for the creation of Oro Obolo State from the present Akwa Ibom has met strong resistance from the state’s coastal local government areas.
Communities from Eket, Esit Eket, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Onna have openly opposed the proposal, describing it as a deliberate move to seize their ancestral lands and deprive Akwa Ibom of its natural wealth.
Operating under the banner of The Coalition of Aboriginal Coastal Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, the group issued a statement in Abuja expressing firm disapproval of the plan. The statement, endorsed by key representatives from each council area, including Dr Samuel Udonsak, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, Obong Chelly Okoko, and others, commended Governor Umo Eno for his firm stance against the creation of any new state from Akwa Ibom.
According to the group, the governor’s position reflects the wishes of the majority of Akwa Ibom citizens who are determined to preserve the integrity and unity of the state. “We are pleased with the governor’s declaration that no new state will be carved out of Akwa Ibom under his leadership,” the statement noted.
They also lauded the Ifim Ibom Ibibio for rallying support across the state and in the diaspora against the agitation. The coalition described the proposed Oro Obolo State as a thinly veiled attempt at land grabbing, designed to dispossess the Ibibio people and the entire state of its valuable shoreline and maritime resources.
The group expressed gratitude to the Annang people for standing in solidarity with them, emphasizing that while self-determination is a legitimate pursuit, it must never infringe on the territorial rights of others.
They further pointed out that those pushing for Oro Obolo State are challenging the official Akwa Ibom map in court in an attempt to alter established boundaries and claim territories, including Tom Shot Island and areas within the Cross River estuary. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of “One State, One Map,” stressing that Akwa Ibom’s territorial integrity must remain intact.
The statement credited the administration of former Governor and current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for championing justice and fairness through the Traditional Rulers (List of Recognised Villages and Clans) (Revocation) Order of 2008. That order corrected earlier manipulations in the 1990 TRC Edict, which had falsely listed villages in Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi as belonging to Ibeno and Eastern Obolo.
They reaffirmed their support for the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law of 2023, which clearly defines the correct boundaries of all local government areas based on historical and legal records. The coalition said this law effectively ends the agitation for the creation of a noncontiguous Oro Obolo State on Ibibio land.
They concluded by calling for unity, peace, and truth, warning against attempts to rewrite the state’s history or distort facts for selfish reasons. “A peaceful and prosperous Akwa Ibom can only thrive on the foundation of truth, fairness, and mutual respect,” the statement added.
