Press Statement: Odidi Stakeholders Seek DSS Intervention Over Alleged Interference in Community Leadership Dispute
The Concerned Stakeholders of Odidi Federated Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, hereby draw the urgent attention of the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Delta State Command, to developments which, if not promptly addressed, may undermine judicial authority, heighten community tension, and threaten the prevailing peace and stability within the OML 42 oil and gas operational corridor.
We respectfully call on the Director, DSS Delta State Command, to urgently review and restrain the conduct of DSS field operatives in Warri South West LGA in relation to the ongoing leadership dispute in Odidi Community.
For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership dispute is currently pending before the High Court of Justice, Warri Judicial Division, in Suit No. W/102/2026. On 4th June 2026, the Honourable Court directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking any action capable of prejudicing, undermining, or interfering with the judicial process pending the determination of the matter.
Despite this clear judicial directive, serious concerns have arisen from credible reports alleging that certain DSS field operatives in Warri South West LGA—particularly officers associated with the earlier public announcement titled "Oromoni, DSS, Police Jointly Dissolve Preye Okrikpa Executive" dated 28th April 2026—have continued to engage in actions perceived as influencing, compelling, or pressuring oil and gas companies operating within OML 42, including Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), to recognize and transact with a disputed parallel executive structure allegedly led by one Truston Gbenekama.
These alleged actions are deeply concerning, as they may be construed as inconsistent with the subsisting directive of the Honourable Court and could amount to interference in a matter that is squarely before a court of competent jurisdiction.
We further note that operators within OML 42, including the OML 42 Joint Management Partnership Team (JMPT), Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), and other stakeholders, have so far maintained commendable neutrality in compliance with the court's directive, pending the final determination of the leadership dispute.
However, there are credible reports that pressure, intimidation, and other coercive tactics are allegedly being deployed to compel these companies and stakeholders to recognize the disputed parallel executive.
Such actions, if allowed to continue unchecked, have the potential to escalate tensions within Odidi Community, disrupt the fragile peace in the area, and adversely affect smooth oil and gas operations within the strategic OML 42 corridor.
It is equally important to emphasize that the emergence and continued activities of the disputed parallel executive have already heightened tension within Odidi Community through repeated attempts to assert authority outside the framework of the law and in disregard of the pending judicial proceedings.
We are further concerned that any perceived involvement, endorsement, or partiality by security operatives in favour of any disputed leadership arrangement could erode public confidence in the neutrality and professionalism of the security agencies, thereby aggravating an already sensitive situation.
Accordingly, we respectfully call on the Director, DSS Delta State Command, to urgently:
Reaffirm the strict neutrality and professionalism of all DSS field operatives in Warri South West Local Government Area.
Investigate the reported conduct of any operative allegedly involved in compelling or influencing companies to recognize or transact with any disputed parallel executive.
Ensure full compliance with the subsisting judicial directive in Suit No. W/102/2026.
Prevent any action capable of being interpreted as interference with a matter pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Take immediate administrative measures to de-escalate tensions, preserve public order, and safeguard uninterrupted oil and gas operations within OML 42.
This statement is issued in the overriding interest of peace, the rule of law, respect for judicial authority, and the protection of critical national economic assets located within Warri South West Local Government Area.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to lawful engagement, peaceful coexistence, and full respect for the authority of the Honourable Court while awaiting the final determination of the pending suit.
Signed:
Prince Preye Okrikpa
Chairman, Odidi Federated Community
