Preye Okrikpa-led Executive Accuses Oromoni of Creating Division in Peaceful Odidi Community
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Prince Preye Okrikpa-led executive committee of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has accused the Executive Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni of allegedly creating division and tension in the otherwise peaceful Odidi Community through support for a parallel executive structure.
The community leadership maintained that Odidi Community has remained peaceful, united and law-abiding, warning against actions capable of causing unnecessary conflict and instability among residents.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Clement Numah, Secretary of Odidi Community Executive Council, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Friday.
According to the statement, the attention of the Prince Preye Okrikpa-led executive was drawn to a letter titled “To Whom It May Concern,” dated May 20, 2026, allegedly issued by the Warri South-West Local Government Council directing government agencies and members of the public to recognize Comrade Truston Gbenekama as Chairman of Odidi Community.
Reacting to the development, the community leaders accused the council chairman of allegedly taking sides with a parallel executive in a manner capable of inciting division, conflict and disaffection among the people of the community.
“The local government under the leadership of Sylvester Oromoni has played a highly disappointing role by allegedly siding with a parallel executive to incite division, conflict and disaffection among the good people of Odidi Community, especially in matters concerning oil companies operating in the area,” the statement read.
The executive council reaffirmed that the Preye Okrikpa-led administration remains the duly recognized and legally accepted leadership of Odidi Community, insisting that the Truston Gbenekama-led group is not recognized by the people as the legitimate executive body of the community.
The statement further alleged that despite the existence of a pending suit before a competent court of jurisdiction, identified as Suit No. W/2/2026, there were coordinated attempts by the Warri South-West Local Government Council in collaboration with the Ogbe-Ijoh Divisional Police Headquarters to impose a parallel executive on the community against the collective will of the people.
According to the community leadership, such actions are capable of undermining the rule of law, obstructing the judicial process and creating avoidable tension and instability within the community.
“For the avoidance of doubt, once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, all parties and institutions are expected to maintain neutrality and allow the court to determine the issues without interference, intimidation or actions capable of prejudicing the pending proceedings,” the statement added.
The Odidi Community leadership therefore called on government authorities, security agencies, traditional stakeholders and members of the public to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, lawfulness and due process, the community stated that it would continue to pursue all lawful means in protecting the unity, collective interest and stability of Odidi Community.
Every effort to reach the council boss, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni proved abortive at press time.
