The peaceful action at Ogidigben, outside the purview of security contractors – Olu of Warri’s Rep replies Tompolo’s Aide

Sole Representative of The Olu of Warri (Ogiame Atuwatse III) to NNPC/JV Partners, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, says the peaceful protest by Itsekiris at the 28,000 barrels per day crude oil facility in Ogidigben, Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, “was a peaceful civic action rooted in concerns over ward delineation and political representation, which are outside the purview of both security contractors and operators.”

Prince Edema, who was reacting to statement credited to a certain Media Aide of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), averred that any attempt to redirect attention away from the legitimate expressions of the people, by ascribing operational failures, are both unfair and unhelpful.

The Warri Monarch’s Rep, made the assertion in an electronic statement sent to Fresh Angle International, this morning, Friday April 11.

He proclaimed: “Our attention has been drawn to public comments credited to the media aide of High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), regarding the recent protest and operational disruption at the Ogidigben oil field in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. While we recognize the importance of clarifying operational responsibilities in the Niger Delta, we consider it necessary to correct a factual inaccuracy and provide context to the general public and stakeholders. 

“2. Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), with ties to interests within Warri Kingdom, does not hold a surveillance or security contract in Delta State. To suggest otherwise is not only incorrect but misleading, and it risks creating unnecessary confusion in an already sensitive operating environment.

“3. PINL’s engagements are clearly defined and are not associated with the surveillance responsibilities in the area under discussion. The public narrative attempting to assign blame or imply jurisdiction in the matter of the Ugborodo protest is therefore fundamentally flawed.

“4. The protest in question was a peaceful civic action rooted in concerns over ward delineation and political representation, which are outside the purview of both security contractors and operators. Any attempts to redirect attention away from the legitimate expressions of the people by ascribing operational failures are both unfair and unhelpful.

“5. His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, The Olu of Warri, remains unwavering in his advocacy for peace, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. Warri Kingdom continues to support the efforts of the Federal Government and its partners in fostering stability and development in the Niger Delta.

“6. We urge all parties to approach these matters with sincerity, clarity, and mutual respect. Facts must remain sacred, especially in matters that affect national assets, community relations, and regional peace.”

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