Edo Government moves to reclaim disputed Oil Wells from Delta State

The Edo State Government has begun efforts to reclaim oil wells located in the Orogho community of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, which were reportedly ceded to neighbouring Delta State.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa led a state delegation to the community on Friday in a move to peacefully address the lingering controversy surrounding the ownership of the oil wells currently operated by Seplat Energy Plc.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Friday Aghedo, Idahosa held talks with the Odionwere of the community, Pa Odiase Omorogieva, youth leaders, and residents. The visit was aimed at easing tensions and assuring the people that their mineral resources would not be lost to another state.

The Deputy Governor praised the community for maintaining peace despite what he described as the ceding of their “natural wealth” to another state. He said, “My visit is to douse tension and allay the fear of losing their God-given mineral resources to another state, while the community where oil exploration and production takes place is under development.”

He assured the people that the current administration would exhaust all legal and diplomatic avenues, including engagement with relevant government agencies, to ensure that the oil wells and their benefits are restored to Edo State to drive development.

During the visit, Idahosa inspected the disputed oil sites alongside the General Manager, Government Relations of Seplat Energy, Mrs. Adiza Gambati. He urged the community to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that the issue would receive the full attention of the government.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Youth Leader Charles Eghaghe expressed appreciation for the prompt intervention by the state government. He explained that since 1993, when Shell Petroleum Development Company began operations on the oil wells, royalties had been paid to Edo State, along with corporate social responsibility projects.

However, he noted that the situation changed after Seplat Energy Plc took over the operations. He appealed to the government to urgently take steps to return the oil wells to Edo State, pointing out that many qualified youths in Orogho were still unemployed despite the presence of oil activities in their land.