PRESS STATEMENT on Odidi Leadership Dispute: We Challenge False Narratives, Warn Against Attempts to Undermine Rule of Law
We have taken due cognisance of the press statement attributed to Chief Bene Mamamu, who has been parading himself in the media as the Secretary of Odidi Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, and issuing counter-statements without the authority or approval of the Prince Preye Okrikpa-led Executive, which remains the only duly constituted, recognised, and legitimate executive of Odidi Community.
We hereby call on all relevant government institutions, security agencies, corporate organisations, and members of the public to note that every statement and publication being circulated by Chief Bene Mamamu regarding the leadership of Odidi Community, references to security agencies, and the operations of Heritage Energy Operational Services within our host community is unauthorised, misleading, illegal, and an act of impersonation. Such statements are null, void, and of no legal effect, as they neither represent the position nor enjoy the approval of the lawful leadership of Odidi Community.
Accordingly, the community dissociates itself entirely from such publications and urges all stakeholders to disregard them, as they are unknown to law and do not emanate from the duly recognised leadership of Odidi Community.
For the avoidance of doubt, Odidi Community comprises five (5) recognised quarters, which remain the only legitimate and established structure for inclusive representation, stakeholder engagement, and the equitable distribution of communal benefits.
Any attempt to distort, bypass, or undermine this long-established structure for factional interests is unacceptable and does not reflect the collective will or best interests of the community.
We note with concern that the group responsible for the publication titled "Oromini, NPF, DSS Jointly Dissolve Okirikpa-led Exco over Tenure Expiration," published on recently in an online website, has, through its subsequent statements, inadvertently exposed glaring inconsistencies in its earlier claims. Their shifting narratives on community leadership, the alleged involvement of security agencies, and stakeholder engagement have effectively contradicted the very basis of their previous assertions.
It is particularly instructive that earlier references made to the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogbe-Ijoh, regarding the purported dissolution of the Okirikpa-led executive, now stand in direct conflict with the group's subsequent admissions.
They have now acknowledged that Heritage Energy Operational Services has consistently maintained engagement with the host community and has continued to provide relief materials—contrary to their earlier allegations of neglect and non-engagement.
For the record, the relief materials distributed on 15 June 2026 were transparently, lawfully, and accountably received through the duly recognised representatives of the five quarters of Odidi Community, namely:
Comrade Mamamu Bakkawei
Oyateide Joseph
Nanankumor Victor
Nancy Ado
Kingsley Ekponimi
These representatives acted strictly within their recognised capacities to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability across all five quarters of the community.
We reiterate that these arrangements were undertaken in strict compliance with due process and with full recognition of the fact that issues relating to the leadership of Odidi Community remain subjudice before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Consequently, no action was taken that could reasonably be interpreted as recognising or legitimising any disputed executive pending the final determination of the court.
Our position remains unequivocal:
neither the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, nor any Local Government Authority possesses the constitutional or legal authority to determine, appoint, or dissolve the leadership of a community where the matter is already before a competent court of law. Any attempt to pre-empt, influence, or circumvent the judicial process constitutes a direct affront to the doctrine of sub judice and the rule of law.
For the avoidance of doubt, we challenge Bene Mamamu to verify from members of his own family and quarter whether the relief materials in question were not duly received through the recognised quarter-based distribution structure. Accountability at the family and quarter levels remains the most transparent and verifiable means of confirming the facts.
We further place on record that Bene Mamamu and others parading themselves as a parallel executive of Odidi Community are currently subjects of ongoing legal and police investigations, including matters relating to their alleged failure to honour police invitations over investigations bordering on the alleged assault and abduction of an indigene of Odidi Community. These matters remain under active investigation by the appropriate security agencies.
On the issue relating to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we shall refrain from making further comments, as the matter is presently before the appellate court. Our decision is informed by our respect for judicial propriety, due process, and the sanctity of ongoing legal proceedings.
We therefore call on all relevant security agencies to remain vigilant, impartial, and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
There is an urgent need to guard against attempts by Truston Gbenekama, Bene Mamamu, and their parallel group to exploit misinformation, sponsor protests under false pretences, or deploy media propaganda to blackmail, intimidate, or coerce Heritage Energy Operational Services and other lawful operators carrying out legitimate activities within Odidi Community.
Finally, we urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint and desist from issuing contradictory, misleading, or inflammatory statements capable of deceiving the public, heightening tensions, or undermining lawful corporate operations and the prevailing peace within Odidi Community.
Signed:
Clement Numah
Secretary, Odidi Community
