Court Orders Maintenance of Status Quo in Odidi Leadership Dispute
By Tesay Ogbemi
A High Court sitting on Thursday, 4 June 2026, directed all parties in the ongoing leadership dispute within the Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State to maintain the status quo pending the determination of pending motions before the court.
The case, which borders on the leadership structure of the community and the congress extension of tenure of the Odidi Community executive, came up for hearing before the court amid heightened tensions between rival factions.
The claimants in the suit include Preye Okirikpa (Chairman, Odidi Community), Clement Numah (Secretary), Mike Komkemele (Public Relations Officer), Joseph Hitler Oyateide (Youth President), and Nancy Ikpidi (Women Leader).
The defendants include Truston Gbenekama, Bene Mamamu, Gilbert Deribi, James Meneko, Faith Mamamu, Friday Deinghan, and others.
During proceedings, counsel to the claimants informed the court that the defendants were allegedly taking steps capable of undermining the authority of the court by continuing activities related to the subject matter of the suit, despite the matter being sub-judice.
In response, the presiding judge cautioned Defendants against any actions that could be interpreted as disrespect to the court or interference with the pending case. The court subsequently direct that all parties maintain the status quo until the determination of the pending motions.
The matter was adjourned to 21st July 2026 for hearing of the motions.
Following the court’s directive, the claimants called on all parties involved to comply strictly with the directive, urging restraint from any actions that may suggest parallel leadership claims or representations of authority on behalf of the Odidi Community to the public, government agencies, oil and gas operators, contractors, or other stakeholders.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved through the judicial process.
