Preye Okrikpa-Led Odidi Executive Disowns Protest, Says Rival Group Falsely Claimed Community Leadership
By Tiemo Orupade
WARRI — The recognised executive of Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, led by Prince Preye Okrikpa, has disowned a protest staged by a rival faction, alleging that its organisers falsely claimed to be the legitimate leadership of the community.
The executive described the protest as unauthorised and unrepresentative of the position of Odidi Community, urging government agencies, security institutions and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to disregard the claims made by the protesters.
In a statement signed by the Community Secretary, Clement Numah, and issued in Warri on Wednesday, the Okrikpa-led executive alleged that Mr. Truston Gbenekama, Mr. Bene Mamamu and others who spearheaded the protest lacked the legal mandate to act or speak on behalf of the community.
According to the statement, the leadership dispute in Odidi Community is currently before the High Court in Warri, where all parties have been directed to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.
The executive alleged that the rival group staged the protest in a bid to secure recognition from Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and other stakeholders despite the subsisting court proceedings.
It maintained that the action amounted to an attempt to bypass the judicial process, insisting that only the court has the constitutional authority to determine the authentic leadership of Odidi Community.
The Okrikpa-led executive commended Heritage Energy and other companies operating within the community for maintaining neutrality throughout the dispute and urged them to continue respecting the ongoing legal process.
The statement further alleged that several persons who participated in the protest were unknown to the community and could not be identified as bona fide members of Odidi Community.
It called on government agencies, security institutions and other stakeholders to disregard any representation, demand or agreement purportedly made by the protesters on behalf of the community.
The executive also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to remain vigilant against any attempt to exploit the leadership dispute to disrupt oil and gas operations or undermine public peace
It warned that no individual or group should be allowed to use the community's internal leadership disagreement as a pretext to interfere with critical national assets or threaten lives and property.
"The issue of the legitimate leadership of Odidi Community remains before the High Court in Warri. Any attempt to secure recognition outside the judicial process should be disregarded," the statement read.
"We acknowledge the company's continued engagement with the community, including the provision of relief and assistance to affected community residents while efforts are ongoing to permanently address the environmental challenges.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Okrikpa-led executive said it would continue to engage Heritage Energy constructively over the recurring oil spills affecting the community
It acknowledged the company's support for affected residents and reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, peaceful coexistence and the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure in the overall national interest.
