Odidi Oil Spill, Leadership Crisis: Stakeholders Demand Oborevwori’s Urgent Intervention, Probe LG Chairman

By Ezekiel Kagbala

WARRI— Concerned stakeholders and indigenes of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene in the community’s reported seven-month crude oil pollution and the contentious leadership crisis, as the case over the community’s leadership comes up again before the Delta State High Court sitting in Warri on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The stakeholders, in an open letter to the governor, said the forthcoming court proceedings had made government neutrality and respect for the judicial process particularly important, alleging that actions attributed to the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Silvester Oromoni, could further complicate the dispute by being perceived as support for one of the competing leadership structures.

The leadership controversy, which has generated competing claims over who has the legitimate mandate to represent Odidi, is before the High Court of Delta State, Warri, in Suit No. W/102/2026. Stakeholders backing the Prince Preye Okrikpa-led executive have repeatedly maintained that the matter should be allowed to run its course in court. 

  Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, Chairman Warri South-West LGA

The stakeholders, led by Prince Preye Okrikpa, Chairman; Comrade Clement Numah, Secretary; Mike Komkemele, Public Relations Officer; and Nancy Ado, Women Leader, urged Oborevwori to ensure that no government institution or official takes steps capable of prejudging the pending case or creating the impression that the executive arm of government has already settled the leadership question.

According to the stakeholders, "We will appreciate the visit of the Governor or sending a high power delegation to address the prolonged oil Spill issues from Heritage Energy facility give relief support to the community without recognising a faction against the matter before the court. The opposing group or faction should not be influencing a visit to get undue recognition or validation under the pretence of inviting the government to address the issue of oil spill"

The stakeholders however, warned that perceived government recognition of one faction could create competing centres of authority, deepen divisions, complicate engagement between the community and oil companies and potentially encourage rival groups to resort to self-help.

They therefore urged the governor to direct the local government council and any delegation sent to Odidi to maintain strict neutrality pending the determination of the case.

“The court should determine the legal question. The government should protect the peace. The people should be protected from the consequences of both,” they stated.

It was gartherd that the leadership dispute has been publicly contested, with different factions making opposing claims about the recognised leadership of Odidi. Earlier reports show that the Okrikpa-led faction insists it remains the community’s leadership, while another faction led by Ambassador Truston Gbenekama has also claimed recognition.

Rather than relying on competing claims, the stakeholders urged Governor Oborevwori to constitute and send a high-level delegation to Odidi to independently assess the situation without recognising those seeking recognition and validation outside the legal process.

They also demanded independent environmental evidence and recommendations for immediate containment, remediation and relief.

The stakeholders said the environmental crisis should not be allowed to become entangled with the leadership dispute.

“The fish do not recognise rival executives. The polluted waterways do not distinguish between political factions. The environmental damage does not wait for the court case to end. And the people cannot eat political statements,” they stated.

The stakeholders appealed to the governor to treat the two issues separately.

They also demanded a neutral peace and stakeholders’ meeting involving affected residents, relevant government institutions and other necessary parties, without prejudging the pending leadership case.

The stakeholders said; "The governor had an opportunity to demonstrate that the Delta State Government would protect communities facing environmental challenges while respecting the judicial process. Odidi does not need another political battle. Odidi needs clean water environmental protection, relief, healthcare and justice.

They urged Oborevwori to act before the environmental situation worsens and before the leadership dispute develops into a more serious security challenge.

The open letter was signed by Prince Preye Okrikpa, Clement Numah, Mike Komkemele, Chief William Mamamu, Chief Lawrence Okrikpa, Chief Michael Aribogha, Chief Isaiah Ibilou, Elder Pori Newyear, Elder Godwin Ganiga, Elder Mike Kulu, Engr. Moses Ibilou, Elder Johnson Febunafa, Joseph Hitler Oyateide and Nancy Ado.