Bill to Create Ethiope (Urhobo) State Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives

A historic bill seeking the creation of Ethiope (Urhobo) State from the current Delta State has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the bill was sponsored by Honourable Benedict Etanabene, who represents the Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituency.

The proposed state will comprise eight local government areas, namely:

• Okpe
• Sapele
• Uvwie
• Udu
• Ughelli North
• Ughelli South
• Ethiope East
• Ethiope West

Etanabene Confirms Progress via Facebook Post

In a public statement released via his verified Facebook page, Honourable Etanabene confirmed the development:

“Motion for the creation of Ethiope (Urhobo) State done. Special thanks to Rules and Business Chairman, Francis Waive, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and the Distinguished Senator Ede Dafinone.

I also wish to thank our Council chairmen and Honourable Members of Assembly in Delta Central and the entire UPU, and many others, including Chief Omene, Chief Ominimini, Evan Evwurie, etc., for the energy put into this.

Our submissions, unlike many others, are done in compliance with the necessary constitutional requirements. By God’s grace, we have registered our request. Any day this matter is called up in this country, we know our concern has been made.”

Constitutional Backing and Legislative Process

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the proposed creation of Ethiope (Urhobo) State follows due constitutional procedure as stipulated under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs state creation and boundary adjustments.

According to the law, any proposal for the creation of a new state must:

1. Be supported by a two-thirds majority of members representing the area in the State House of Assembly.
2. Obtain a simple majority in a referendum conducted in the affected areas.
3. Be approved by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.

Strategic Support Base Grows

Etanabene has credited a wide network of political and community leaders for their contributions. Senator Ede Dafinone, Francis Waive, and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu have been commended for their technical and legislative backing.

In addition, the support of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and other traditional and grassroots leaders across Delta Central has strengthened the movement’s legitimacy.

TJ News Nigeria reports that Ethiope (Urhobo) State is envisioned to give the Urhobo ethnic nationality a distinct administrative identity and greater representation at the federal level.

Historical Context

Calls for the creation of an Urhobo-dominated state have been ongoing for decades, often tied to the broader national conversation about restructuring, marginalization, and equitable representation.

With an estimated population of over 2.5 million, the Urhobo people form one of the largest ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria. However, many leaders argue that they remain politically underrepresented despite their economic contributions to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

Implications of State Creation

If approved, Ethiope (Urhobo) State would increase Nigeria’s state count from 36 to 37, impacting:

• Federal revenue allocation
• Legislative representation in the Senate and House
• Local administrative efficiency
• Political influence in national matters

Next Steps

With the second reading complete, the bill will now proceed to the Committee Stage, where public hearings and memoranda will be invited. After that, it will return to the House for a third reading and vote.

From there, it must still secure passage in the Senate and meet all constitutional benchmarks before the creation of the new state can be finalized.

Grassroots Mobilization Underway

Proponents of the bill have already begun mobilizing public support and preparing documents to show consensus among the affected communities. Stakeholders are also engaging in dialogue with other regions and ethnic groups to ensure broader national support.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor and report on further legislative progress and political developments surrounding the Ethiope (Urhobo) State bill.

---

For updates on constitutional amendments, state creation efforts, and political restructuring in Nigeria, follow TJ News Nigeria.