Warri Delineation: Evacuate Illegal Occupiers From Olero Flow Station, Itsekiri Leaders Urge Oborevwori

Leaders of Itsekiri indigenous communities operating the Olero Oil Field, run by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Delta State, have called upon Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene. They demand the evacuation of alleged Ijaw youth who they claim have illegally occupied the Olero Flow Station.

The Itsekiri leaders stated that the occupation violates a peace accord reached just last Monday in Asaba. They believe the action is a response to protests against the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) proposed ward and unit delineation. The communities, including Ebrohimi, Obaghoro, Tebu, Gbokoda, Aja-Amita, Udo, and Jakpa, expressed surprise at the takeover of the facility in their area by external parties.

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refuse to recognize, negotiate with, or yield to pressure from external actors, who are not recognized host communities

They stressed that the Olero Flow Station is a critical national asset and its occupation by non-host communities is unacceptable. The leaders also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the INEC delineation, particularly in relation to a Supreme Court judgment concerning the Warri Federal Constituency.

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It is on record that the Ijaw aggressors were transported in Tantita speedboats. The same Tantita, which was awarded contracts to secure the Federal Government’s pipeline infrastructure, is equally alleged to be sponsoring and mobilising the protest that is impacting national revenue generation.

Hon. Samson Ogboduwa, Secretary of the Olero Oil Field Communities, speaking on behalf of the leaders, advised Chevron Nigeria Limited to remain firm and refuse engagement with unrecognized external actors. The Itsekiri leaders asserted that their communities do not share boundaries with the Ijaw communities of Egbema and Gbaramatu, whose members they claim are occupying the flow station.

Furthermore, the Itsekiri leaders alleged that Ijaw aggressors were transported using Tantita speedboats. They implicated the private security firm, which holds contracts for federal pipeline infrastructure security, in allegedly sponsoring and mobilizing the protest. The leaders suggested this action aims to displace people from their land and pressure the government into renewing Tantita's contract. They also called for an investigation into any officials who may have provided misleading information during the delineation process, urging INEC to comply fully with the Supreme Court judgment and the constitution.

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We believe that Tompolo’s actions are aimed at forcing people out of their God – given lands and arm – twisting the government into renewing Tantita’s contract.