Tenure Elongation Dispute Deepens in Odidi Community as Gbenekama-Led Executive Presents Position

By Tessy Ogbemi

The leadership dispute in Odidi Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has taken a new turn, with the executive led by Comrade Truston Gbenekama maintaining that the tenure of the administration headed by Prince Preye Okrikpa ended on April 28, 2026.

Speaking during a press conference in Warri on Tuesday, representatives of the Gbenekama-led executive stated that they regard their administration as the duly constituted leadership of the oil-producing community and called on stakeholders to recognize their position in ongoing community affairs.

The group urged operators of OML 42, including NEPL/Neconde, ICHI/CEPE and NPUREONE Management, to engage with what it described as the current community leadership, while noting that disagreements over tenure remain a subject of contention within the community.

According to the Gbenekama-led executive, Odidi Community remains peaceful and committed to supporting an enabling environment for oil and gas operations in the area.

The leadership further referenced a court judgment delivered in 2016, which it said provides guidance on community leadership tenure arrangements. It argued that its position is consistent with the interpretation of that judgment, although the matter remains disputed by opposing parties.

Addressing concerns surrounding the ongoing Global Freedom to Operate (GFTO) renewal and renegotiation process for OML 42, the executive expressed reservations about actions it believes could affect stakeholder engagements. It, however, called on all parties to pursue peaceful and lawful avenues in resolving the dispute.

The community leaders also appealed to relevant government and security agencies, including the Federal Government, Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Operation Delta Safe, to continue monitoring developments and support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the community.

The Gbenekama-led executive further claimed that the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, had engaged stakeholders and security agencies over the leadership issue. According to the group, subsequent communications from the local government were interpreted as recognizing the Gbenekama-led administration for official engagements. Independent confirmation of this claim was not immediately available.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the executive assured OML 42 operators and other stakeholders of a conducive environment for business and community relations, while calling for continued dialogue among all parties involved in the dispute.

The statement was signed on behalf of the Odidi Community by Comrade Truston Gbenekama, Chairman, and Ambassador Bene Mamamu, Secretary.

Efforts to obtain the response of Prince Preye Okrikpa and his supporters on the issues raised were not successful as of the time of filing this report.