OML 42: Odidi Community Extends Okrikpa’s Tenure Over Constitution, Calls for Unity
By Ezekiel Kagbala
Leaders, stakeholders, women and youths of the oil-rich Odidi Federated Community (host of OML 42) in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State have extended the tenure of the community chairman, Prince Preye Okrikpa, and his executive members by four years to enable the completion of a written constitution for the community.
The decision was reached during a general congress of the community held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Odidi Primary School, where elders, youths, women and other stakeholders deliberated on key issues affecting the community.
The congress agreed that the current administration should draft and complete a formal constitution to guide the affairs of the community before leaving office, a move members said would strengthen governance and reduce leadership disputes, particularly during transitions.
Participants at the meeting also reviewed the performance of the administration and unanimously supported the plan to adopt a written constitution as a framework for transparent and stable leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Okrikpa expressed appreciation to the people of Odidi for their continued support over the past three years, noting that the administration had recorded notable achievements despite internal challenges.
He stated that the leadership successfully secured the inclusion of Odidi 1 and Odidi 2 and Egwa 2 in the benefits framework of the Petroleum Industry Act, ensuring that families, women and youths benefit from resources generated by oil companies operating in the area.
According to him, the administration also purchased two local boats to convey pupils to Odidi Primary School, strengthened community security and successfully defended the community in an external court case.
However, the chairman pointed out that the community still faces challenges including internal disputes, youth unemployment, external litigations and encroachment on community land, adding that the absence of a written constitution has long affected effective governance.
Several stakeholders who spoke at the congress endorsed the move to adopt a constitution, including Chief Michael Aribogha, Pory NewYear, Mr. Godwin Caniga, High Chief Lawrence Kodi Okrikpa, and women leaders Mrs. Nancy Ado and Mrs. Kate Mamamu.
Also speaking, the Youth President, Mr. Hitler Oyateide Joseph, urged residents to remain united, stressing that peace and cooperation are essential for the progress and development of the community.
The congress ended with a renewed commitment by community leaders and residents to work together to promote peace, unity and sustainable development in Odidi community.
