Odidi Community Distances Self From Alleged Media Report Against Heritage Energy, Affirms Gbenekama-Led Leadership, Says No Tension in OML 42

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has dismissed as false and misleading a purported publication alleging that the community petitioned against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), stating that fraudulent report threatening the operations of the company should be disregarded.

In a statement signed by the Community Chairman, Amb. Truston Gbenekama, and Secretary, Chief Bene Mamamu, the community categorically denied demanding sanctions or regulatory action against HEOSL over alleged interference in its leadership affairs.

The community stated that there was no crisis or tension in the OML 42 operating area or within the Odidi Community, stressing that it had not petitioned the Federal Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited or any security agency to investigate Heritage Energy.

“There is also no parallel government or leadership in the Odidi Federated Community. The only recognized leadership is the executive council headed by Amb. Truston Gbenekama,” the statement said.

The community further maintained that the current administration was not in dispute and that Heritage Energy was engaging with the legitimate leadership recognized by the community, government authorities and security agencies. It also stated that there was no court order restraining the Gbenekama-led administration from functioning.

It described Prince Preye Okrikpa, a former chairman, as having no mandate to speak or write on behalf of the Odidi Community, urging the public to disregard the purported letter attributed to him.

According to the statement, “He was not mandated by the community, and no such meeting was held to authorize such a publication.”

The community also denied requesting any urgent intervention or regulatory sanctions against HEOSL, adding that the few relief materials provided by the company had been received and were being distributed across the various sub-communities.

“We commend the company for its diligence and for resisting attempts by fraudulent individuals to derail the process,” the statement added.

The Odidi Community further clarified that it had never called for a review of HEOSL’s operational licences, stressing that there was no court order preventing Heritage Energy from engaging with the community or the community from dealing with the company.

On security and operations, the community said it had issued no threats against Heritage Energy’s operations, personnel movement, logistics or access routes within OML 42.

“The Odidi Community remains peaceful. The individuals named in the false publication are members of a defunct executive. We urge the public, HEOSL and all relevant authorities to disregard it,” the community maintained.