Disclaimer: Odidi Community Disowns Alleged Oil Spill Publication, Reaffirms Preye Okrikpa-Led Executive as Sole Legal Authority
Adjerhore Elizabeth
The legally recognized Prince Preye Okrikpa-led executive of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has formally distanced itself from a publication concerning the reported oil spill incident in the area, insisting that only the Okrikpa-led leadership has the authority to speak for the community.
In a press release signed by the Secretary of the Odidi Community Executive, Mr. Clement Numah, the community issued what it described as a “formal disclaimer” against publications allegedly sponsored by Mr. Truston Gbenekama, accusing him of unlawfully parading himself as a representative of a parallel leadership in the community.
The statement maintained that the duly recognized Chairman and lawful representative of Odidi Community remains Mr. Preye Okrikpa, stressing that his executive retains the legal authority to administer and represent the affairs of the community pending the determination of the subsisting leadership tussle before the High Court in Suit No. W/2/2026.
According to the release, any publication, correspondence, directive, demand or representation originating from individuals outside the authority of the recognized executive should be regarded as “unauthorized, misleading, self-serving and of no legal or binding effect whatsoever on Odidi Community.”
The executive further warned against politicizing or exploiting the reported oil spill incident to allegedly blackmail or mount undue pressure on Heritage Energy Oil & Gas Limited and other stakeholders involved in the response and investigative process.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of individuals to raise concerns over environmental incidents, the statement stressed that such actions must be undertaken strictly in personal capacities and not used as a platform to legitimize what it termed a “purported parallel executive council.”
The community, however, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Heritage Energy Oil & Gas Limited and other stakeholders operating in the area.
It also expressed confidence in the integrity of the ongoing Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, process and urged Heritage Energy Oil & Gas Limited to expedite arrangements for the conduct of the investigation in the interest of transparency, environmental accountability and timely resolution of issues arising from the reported spill.
The statement further called for all environmental remediation, cleanup exercises, relief interventions and compensation due to the host community to be carried out transparently and in accordance with extant laws, regulatory procedures and industry standards.
Reiterating its commitment to peace, stability and lawful engagement, the Odidi Community Executive said it remains focused on protecting the collective interests of the people while awaiting the outcome of the pending court matter over the community leadership dispute.
