Ndokwa Professional Network Disputes Ned Nwoko’s Claim That Ndokwa-Ukwuani Are Igbo, Affirming Distinct Ethnic Identity
Ndokwa Professional Network Disputes Ned Nwoko’s Claim That Ndokwa-Ukwuani Are Igbo, Affirming Distinct Ethnic Identity
Socio-cultural group, Ndokwa Professional Network (NPN), has publicly disagreed with Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, over his recent claim that Ndokwa-Ukwuani people are Igbo and speak the Igbo language.
In a statement signed by NPN President Mr. Nigel Ojji, Secretary Dr. Great Ijomah, and Trustee Chairman Dr. Edike Kaine, the group challenged the senator’s remarks, asserting that they do not accurately represent the true heritage or identity of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani people.
The statement emphasized that Senator Nwoko is not an indigene of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani region, which comprises Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas, noting that he hails from Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area outside the Ndokwa-Ukwuani area. Furthermore, the group pointed out that Nwoko spent much of his formative years abroad, which may have influenced his understanding of local ethnic histories through secondary sources or broad linguistic classifications, rather than firsthand knowledge.
“Ndokwa-Ukwuani are not Igbo,” the statement declared. It clarified that although there are geographical and linguistic overlaps due to proximity, the two groups are distinct. Ethnic identity, the group argued, is rooted in ancestral lineage, cultural practices, traditional governance, and self-identification—factors that set Ndokwa-Ukwuani apart from the Igbo.
The group cited academic linguists’ broad classifications of languages, like Igboid, which do not determine ethnic belonging. They highlighted that Ndokwa-Ukwuani people have their own socio-political institutions, traditional leadership, and indigenous belief systems that are independent of Igbo origins.
Historically, Ndokwa-Ukwuani developed unique governance models and cultural practices long before colonial influence, reinforcing their distinct identity. The group emphasized that many reputable scholars recognize Ndokwa-Ukwuani as a separate ethnic group with its own language, customs, and political heritage, not a subset of Igbo.
The statement also noted that the Ndokwa-Ukwuani language has unique phonetic and semantic features, similar to how Benin and Yoruba share linguistic traits, but remain distinct. Their traditional institutions, titles, and deities are indigenous and not derived from other groups.
Concluding, NPN affirmed that Senator Nwoko’s comments are his personal opinion and do not reflect the historical or cultural reality of Ndokwa-Ukwuani people. The group called for careful, culturally sensitive discussions on ethnicity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of Ndokwa-Ukwuani identity and promoting mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.
