The Iru community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has dismissed reports claiming it is seeking inclusion in the proposed Anioma State, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the community's Odionwere and Elders-in-Council, the leadership said neither the community nor its representatives had ever demanded to be part of the proposed state.
“The Iru people did not, at any time, agitate or request to be included in the proposed Anioma State through any medium,” the statement said.
The community specifically disowned a video circulating on social media, which allegedly portrayed Iru people as canvassing for inclusion in Anioma State.
“We categorically refute the misleading narratives circulating on social media, particularly a video purporting that Iru people are canvassing for inclusion in the proposed Anioma State.”
The leaders said Iru has been part of Edo State since the early 1920s and traced the community's ancestry to the Isi and Oso lineages of the ancient Benin Kingdom.
They also rejected claims that Iru is an Igbo community because its people speak the Ika language, insisting that their cultural identity and traditions are rooted in Benin.
According to the statement, the viral video, allegedly linked to a social media personality identified as "Spirit Almighty," was created by individuals seeking to mislead the public and create confusion over the proposed Anioma State.
“The video is entirely false and should be disregarded in its entirety.”
The community further noted that the creation of new states is a constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government through the National Assembly, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information on the issue.
The Iru leadership reaffirmed its loyalty to the Edo State Government and renewed its allegiance to the Oba of Benin.
