Izansa Community: The Exclusive Stakeholder and  Host to Odube Creek Oil Field

By Ezekiel Kagbala 

Stakeholder of The Izansa Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has formally declared that they are the exclusive host and rightful owners of Odube Creek Oil Field, urging Matrix Energy Limited to consult and engage the community before commencing operations in the area.

This affirmation was made by Mr. Donye David Bedebo, an Opinion Leader of Izansa Community, in an official statement issued on Monday. He stated that the Odube Creek Oil Field comprising the Odube Creek Location, Odube Creek Revised, and Odube Creek-1 Exploration Location falls entirely within the Izansa-bou land of Izansa Community in the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

Donye noted that his attention was drawn to the recent award of a Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) for the Odube Creek Oil Field to Matrix Energy Limited by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). He emphasized that the company should as a matter seriousness consult Izansa Community as the rightful host.

According to him, Izansa Community’s historical ownership of the Odube land dates back to its founding by Apribodo “time immemorial".

> “When Apribodo first cleared and settled on the Odube land and creek area, no other persons occupied or claimed the area,” Donye stated. “He freely accessed and used the land and creek for fishing, farming, lumbering, and other subsistence activities, including the digging of a well, without interference from anyone.”

He added that Apribodo exercised uninterrupted ownership and possession over the entire Odube area, a legacy that has been passed down through generations to his descendants in Izansa Community.

Donye further explained that the name Odube is an Ijaw word meaning “well” originated from the drinking-water well dug by Apribodo. Both the creek and the surrounding land derive their names from this historical designation, which also formed the naming of the various oil locations situate in the area.

With Matrix Energy Limited preparing for petroleum prospecting activities in the Odube Oil Creek Field, Donye issued a strong advisory to the company:

“As Matrix Energy Limited prepares to commence operations, it is strongly advised to consult with Izansa Community. Such engagement is essential to address matters relating to the health and welfare of our inhabitants, as well as environmental concerns, prior to the commencement of any operations within or adjacent to Izansa Community land.”

He added that early and constructive engagement would ensure transparent, and mutually beneficial operations between the company and his community.

Donye position adds to the growing calls for oil companies and regulatory bodies to prioritize host community rights, historical ownership, and environmental safeguards in resource-bearing communities of the Niger Delta.