Anioma: Resolving The Identity Crisis

Since the establishment of the Anioma race, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Chief Dennis Osadebe and other Patriarchs, the public space has been saturated with debates on the people’s true identity. This debate took a different dimension following the harrowing events of the Nigerian civil War in which Umu Anioma played the scapegoat in the hands of both the Federal and Biafran forces. The clamour for the creation of Anioma State has further fired this debate to a boiling crescendo over the issues of inclusion and exclusion. In this thoroughly researched exegesis, Prince Anyasi takes a look at all sides of the debate and produces empirical evidences to submit that the much-hackneyed Anioma autonomy is inevitable as Anioma has the wherewithal to stand independent of the Igbo and any other race. He also boldly disabuses the minds of those who have, for long, peddled the Anioma / Edo ancestral link. This book presents an assertive triogonometric perspective of Anioma / Igbo / Jewish link for a majority of Anioma people, with an equally assertive demand for Anioma autonomy. It is also a great eye-opener to many young Anioma youths on some of the fading Anioma myths, customs and tradition. The story is told, vintage Charles Anyasi, with the simplicity, authority and candour of a home-bred Prince and key player in the Anioma project.