SpringNewsNGMedia Limited – March 12, 2025

The people of the oil-producing Itsekiri communities of Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele in Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State have taken to the streets to protest a court ruling that halted compensation payments by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri ordered Chevron to discontinue payment of compensation to the communities, a decision that has sparked widespread anger and fears of escalating tensions in the region.

The judgment, delivered by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa on January 31, 2025, followed a suit filed by indigenes of the Benikrukru community in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West against Chevron, Ode-Itsekiri, and other defendants under the case number FHC/WR/CS/49/2024. The plaintiffs argued that the consent judgment, which previously mandated compensation payments, had become inoperative following the fulfillment of its terms. As a result, they sought a court order preventing Chevron from making further payments.

After hearing extensive arguments from both sides, including submissions from plaintiffs’ counsel, Larry Malemi Esq., and the defense teams led by K.K. Iheme Esq. and A.E. Oghounu Esq., Justice Nganjiwa ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The court declared that the consent judgment had lapsed and issued a perpetual injunction restraining Chevron from continuing compensation payments.

The ruling has triggered serious unrest in the affected Itsekiri communities. A former militant group under the auspices of the Itsekiri Defence Council (IDC), led by ‘General’ Iwedundun Akpakpa, has threatened violent reprisals.

In a statement released to journalists on Monday night, ‘General’ Akpakpa warned that the decision could lead to another crisis similar to the Okuama crisis in Warri South West. He accused Ijaw leader Mr. Mathew Tonlagha of leading efforts to undermine Itsekiri land rights and issued a stern warning against the eviction of Itsekiris from Abiteye.

“It has come to the attention of the Itsekiri Defence Council that there is a 48-hour ultimatum given to all Itsekiris working at the Abiteye flow station to either accept being Ijaw or leave. Itsekiris in Abiteye have also been ordered to vacate within 48 hours, and Deghele and Bateren communities are allegedly being forced to pay rent to Mathew Tonlagha,” Akpakpa stated.

The IDC rejected these developments, asserting that Abiteye and surrounding lands belong to the Itsekiris. The group vowed to resist any attempts to displace them, emphasizing that they originally leased the Abiteye flow station to Gulf Oil in the 1990s, with all necessary documentation to prove ownership.

“We, the IDC, will ensure that all Itsekiri land is protected at all times,” Akpakpa affirmed.

The situation remains tense, with fears that the ruling could lead to violent clashes between the Itsekiris and Ijaw groups. Community leaders and security agencies are being urged to intervene and prevent further escalation.