Nwafor-Orizu Reignites Etiti State Dream: Calls For S’East Unity Over Sixth State Agenda

ONITSHA – The agitation for the creation of a sixth state in the South-East geopolitical zone has taken a dramatic turn as Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu — renowned political thinker and democracy advocate — renews his spirited campaign for the establishment of Etiti State, a project he describes as “the most equitable and inclusive solution for Ndigbo”.

Prince Nwafor-Orizu, former President of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS)—now NANS—and Chairman of the Society for the Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria (SAD), is leading a fresh movement urging both the National Assembly and Southeast leaders to rally behind the Etiti State proposal.

This renewed advocacy follows reports that the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has given a preliminary nod for the creation of a new state in the Southeast—currently the only geopolitical zone with just five states.

However, the move has triggered political contestation among advocates of Anioma State (from Delta) and Orlu State (from Imo), both of which are also under review.

Speaking at his country home in Otolo, Nnewi, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Prince Nwafor-Orizu argued passionately that Etiti State stands out as “the fairest and most balanced model,” being a regional creation that draws local government areas from all five existing Southeast states rather than from just one

“Unarguably, the old Orlu region is large enough to stand as a state, just as Bayelsa has only eight local governments,” he said.

“But while Orlu and Anioma are single-state creations, Etiti State is a collective Igbo project — representing every existing state in the South-East.”

According to him, the proposed Etiti State would include Orumba North and South (Anambra), Okigwe (Imo), Isuikwuato (Abia), Isiagu (Ebonyi), and Rokpa Nta/Rokpa Ukwu (Enugu), with Okigwe as the proposed capital.

He emphasized that the new state would uplift “the most neglected and underdeveloped parts of Igboland” and promote fair distribution of development, governance, and opportunities across the region.

“The idea of Etiti State is not just political — it is developmental,” Nwafor-Orizu added. “It is the only proposal that truly represents all Igbo states. I urge all Southeast leaders and politicians to unite behind it for the sake of fairness, balance, and progress.”

Prince Nwafor-Orizu, scion of the royal Orizu dynasty of Nnewi, is one of the earliest and most consistent proponents of Etiti State. Over the years, he has maintained that the project remains the surest route to redress Southeast marginalization and accelerate regional growth within Nigeria’s federal structure.