OML 42: Odidi Community Demands Sanctions Against Heritage Energy Over Alleged Interference in Leadership Dispute

A fresh crisis is brewing in the oil-rich OML 42 operating environment as Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has petitioned the Federal Government to investigate Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), alleging that the company's dealings with disputed community representatives could undermine a subsisting court process and threaten peace in the host community.

The community, led by the executive headed by Prince Preye Okrikpa, is demanding urgent intervention by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited and relevant security agencies, including possible regulatory sanctions against HEOSL if any breach of applicable laws, regulations or court directives is established.

In a strongly worded statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri Delta State and signed by the community's Secretary, Mr. Clement Numah, alongside other stakeholders, alleged that HEOSL's continued engagement with persons whose authority to represent the community is being contested and such could further aggravate an already sensitive leadership dispute.

The controversy is linked to an ongoing case before the High Court of Delta State, Warri, in Suit No. W/102/2026, involving competing claims over the leadership and representation of Odidi Community.

According to the community, the court has directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter, prompting the stakeholders to call on HEOSL and other actors operating within the community to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of complicating the judicial process.

The statement said; "The Executive Council and stakeholders of Odidi Community call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, and all relevant regulatory and security agencies to urgently investigate and take appropriate action against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) over its alleged actions capable of undermining peace, the rule of law, and the smooth conduct of oil and gas operations within OML 42.

"The community alleges that HEOSL’s continued engagement with persons whose authority to represent Odidi is disputed may be aggravating an ongoing leadership dispute currently before the High Court of Delta State, Warri, in Suit No. W/102/2026. The court has warned the parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of the case.

"Odidi Community is particularly concerned about the alleged distribution of relief materials intended for the community through disputed representatives and we are yet to receive relief materials for Odidi Community. The community warns this actions to deepen divisions, provoke resentment, and undermine peace.

"The community has called on the Federal Government to:

1. Investigate HEOSL’s dealings with Odidi Community.

2. Review the company’s licence and operational approvals and suspend or withdraw them where violations are established.

3. Direct HEOSL to respect the court-ordered status quo.

4. Ensure that future engagements are conducted through lawful and recognised channels.

5. Investigate the handling of relief materials intended for Odidi Community.

6. Take immediate steps to prevent further escalation within the OML 42 operating environment.

"Odidi Community warns that continued actions capable of worsening the dispute may increase the risk of conflict and protest and could affect the stability of operations, personnel movement, logistics, and access routes within OML 42. 

"The community emphasises that it does not seek conflict and remains committed to peace. , it urges the Federal Government to act promptly before tensions escalate further.

"No commercial interest should take precedence over the authority of the court, the peace of the host community, and the security of oil and gas operations".

Signed

Mr. Prince Preye Okrikpa –Chairman

Mr. Clement Numah – Secretary

Mr. Mike Komkemele – Public Relations Officer

Chief William Mamamu

Chief Lawrence Okrikpa

Chief Michael Aribogha

Elder Pori Newyear

Elder Godwin Ganiga

Elder Mike Kulu

Chief Isaiah Ibilou

Engr. Moses Ibilou

Elder Johnson Febunafa

Mr. Joseph Hitler Oyateide – Youth President

Mrs.

Nancy Ado – Women Leader

For and on behalf of Odidi Community