By Sunday Apah
The Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State has vehemently denied allegations made by the Sapele Okpe community concerning land ownership disputes and claims of bias against Chief Edwin Uzor, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution for Delta State.
The controversy centers on Seplat Energy’s operations and the recognition of host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
In a statement released by community leaders on Monday, the Abigborodo representatives called the allegations from Sapele Okpe unfounded and an attempt to misrepresent the facts.
“Abigborodo has historically been the rightful owner of the lands where Seplat operates, including Ugbekoko, which hosts Seplat’s jetty and oil wells,” stated Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee.
The community expressed frustration over Seplat Energy’s ongoing refusal to acknowledge them as a host community despite numerous appeals. “We have sent multiple letters to Seplat asserting our legitimate claims, but they continue to classify us as merely an ‘impacted community,’ which we categorically reject,” Ukubeyinje emphasized.
The Abigborodo community argued that Seplat’s current operations, including plans for new drilling sites near their land, amount to trespassing. “We have repeatedly urged Seplat to cease any illegal activities on our territory until this matter is resolved, but they have disregarded our requests,” said Victor Atseponu, Secretary of the Abigborodo Management Committee.
In response to claims of bias regarding the investigation led by Chief Edwin Uzor, the Abigborodo community maintained that the January 16, 2025, site visit by the Peace Building Committee was conducted transparently and inclusively.
“The committee’s visit was attended by representatives from the Department of State Security, police, and local government officials, making the Sapele Okpe community’s accusations of exclusion unfounded,” explained Engr. Great Kpenosen, President of the Abigborodo Youth Association.
The leaders accused the Sapele Okpe community of fabricating narratives to undermine the ongoing investigation, stating that their demand for Chief Uzor’s removal appears to be a tactic to stall justice. “The entire process has been fair, and the evidence supports our claims,” Kpenosen added.
Additionally, the Abigborodo community condemned attempts to involve Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, in this dispute. “Involving our respected leader’s name in this matter is not only defamatory but also disrespectful. Chief Uduaghan was not part of the investigation, yet the Sapele Okpe community continues to spread unfounded allegations,” Ukubeyinje stated.
The Abigborodo community clarified that their dispute does not relate to the Okpe Sobo forest reserve referenced by the Sapele Okpe community. “The forest reserve issue was settled and officially documented in 2021. The current matter strictly concerns Seplat’s activities in areas that clearly fall within our land,” Atseponu elaborated.
They also criticized the claims made by Ugbukurusu to the contested land, asserting that this community is situated over 15 kilometers away from the areas in question.
The leaders highlighted the peaceful protests organized in November 2024 to draw attention to their situation after Seplat ignored directives to cease operations. “We felt compelled to exercise our constitutional right to protest. Our message is clear: recognize Abigborodo as a host community and halt any illegal activities on our lands,” Ukubeyinje affirmed.
Following these protests, which lasted four days, the Nigerian Army’s 90 Amphibious Battalion organized a stakeholders’ meeting. “The outcome was an agreement to suspend protests for two weeks to facilitate discussions, yet Seplat opted to escalate tensions by petitioning the Governor against us,” Kpenosen noted.
The Abigborodo community accused the Sapele Okpe community of attempting to mislead the public for their own interests. “Their press statements are fueled by greed and misinformation. The truth is evident, and we believe that any forthcoming investigations will vindicate our claims,” Ukubeyinje stated.
Emphasizing the impartial nature of the ongoing investigation, they added, “The Peace Building Committee has conducted a thorough and unbiased process. Accusations of favoritism are merely distractions,” Atseponu asserted.
The Abigborodo community called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to dismiss the Sapele Okpe community’s demands for Chief Uzor’s removal. “We urge the Governor to allow the investigation to progress without interference, as the truth must be upheld and justice delivered,” Ukubeyinje concluded.
As tensions continue, the Abigborodo community remains ready for further dialogue to defend their rights. “We are fully prepared for any additional investigations. The facts are clear, and we will persist in asserting our status as Seplat’s rightful host community,” Kpenosen declared.
