Odidi Community Refutes Alleged Swearing-In of Parallel Executive, Insists Existing Leadership Remains Lawful
By Tessy Ogbemi
The Executive Council of Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has strongly refuted the purported swearing-in of a parallel executive council allegedly led by Mr. Truston Gbenekama, describing the action as unlawful, provocative, and a violation of due judicial process.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Odidi Community Executive Council, Mr. Clement Numah, the community leadership maintained that the executive council led by Mr. Preye remains the only lawful and recognized body administering the affairs of the community pending the determination of a leadership dispute currently before the High Court in Suit No. W/02/2026.
The statement noted that the alleged inauguration of another executive council on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, was carried out despite the subsisting court matter, warning that such action amounts to interference with the administration of justice and an attempt to undermine the authority of the court.
According to the statement, all issues relating to the leadership and administration of Odidi Community are presently sub judice and therefore subject to judicial determination by a competent court of law.
The community executive emphasized that no individual, group, institution, or authority has the legal powers to dissolve, impose, or recognize any leadership structure outside the pending judicial process.
The council consequently called on members of the public, government agencies, oil companies, contractors, corporate organizations, and all stakeholders to disregard the purported parallel executive, insisting that the group lacks lawful recognition pending the final outcome of the court case.
The statement also dismissed media reports claiming that the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Warri South-West Local Government Council had dissolved the existing Odidi Community Executive Council.
Describing the reports as false, misleading, and legally untenable, the executive council argued that no security agency or local government authority possesses the constitutional authority to determine leadership disputes already before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Odidi leadership further advised companies, oil and gas operators, financial institutions, contractors, and individuals involved in community affairs to exercise caution and avoid transacting with unauthorized persons presenting themselves as representatives of the community outside the recognized executive council.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, law, and due process, the council urged all parties to avoid actions capable of causing tension, breakdown of law and order, or disruption of economic and oil activities within the community.
The statement also appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and continue to maintain peace and security in the area while the matter remains before the court.
The statement was signed by Mr. Clement Numah, Secretary of the Odidi Community Executive Council.
