WARRI, DELTA STATE – The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has formally petitioned the Federal Ministry of Environment to dismiss protests by the Udogun Okpe (Orode-in-Council) regarding the naming and location of the proposed Abigborodo oil field.
In a detailed rejoinder addressed to the Honourable Minister of Environment, Chief Uduaghan maintained that the field—situated in PPL 220 and operated by Navante Exploration and Production Limited—rightly belongs to the Abigborodo Community in Warri North LGA.
Key Points of the Rejoinder:
- Historical Precedent: Chief Uduaghan noted that the field was previously operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, which officially recognized Abigborodo as the rightful host and landowner.
- Colonial Records: Citing National Archives records from 1931, the Alema argued that Okpe authorities at the time informed colonial administrators they had no land to contribute to the then-proposed Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve.
- Legal Victories: The petition highlighted a landmark 1940 court case in Sapele where Abigborodo farmers were acquitted of trespassing after the court affirmed their ownership of the land.
- Government Verification: The Alema pointed to the 1996 land release by the Delta State Government and a more recent probe ordered by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, both of which upheld Abigborodo’s ownership claims and identified cases of encroachment.
Addressing the EIA Process
Chief Uduaghan clarified that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public display is a technical exercise for environmental safety and should not be used as a tool to reopen settled land ownership disputes.
"The naming of Abigborodo Field PPL 220 follows established industry and historical practice," Uduaghan stated. "All objections raised by the Udogun Okpe are unfounded."
Commitment to Peace
The Alema, who administers the area under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, assured the Federal Government and Navante Exploration and Production Limited of a peaceful and seamless operational environment. He concluded by urging the Ministry to proceed with the EIA process in the interest of national economic development.
