Yomere fumes over calls to halt registration of Omadino, Deghele, Bateren HCDT

The Chief Priest of Omadino Federation Communities in Warri Federal Constituency and Chairman, Management Subcommittee on Legal and Information in the Itsekiri Community, Roland Oti Yomere, has condemned the call by Gbamaratu indigenes, for the halt and non-recognition of Omadino, Deghele, and Bateren Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT.

Yomere’s anger, was consequent upon correspondences, purportedly written by some Gbaramatu indigenes to Chevron Nigeria Limited and other International Oil and Gas Companies, IOCs, requesting the companies to stop implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA as it affects Omadino, Deghele, and Bateren, which are host communities to Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Omadino Federated Communities, host the Otunana Flow Station in Makaraba Fields and Abiteye Field, located at OMF 49.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that Chief Priest Yomere, expressed his displeasure at Omadino in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Thursday June 19, during an exclusively interview with Fresh Angle International.

While responding to some issues currently trending on social media, Yomere said he believed that before any company engages with a host community, there must be documentation proving ownership of the area, and that was the basis for companies' dealings with Omadino community from inception.

He noted that the current misleading narrative being propagated to create discord and misinformation among members of the public, could potentially incite conflict if not well managed by relevant authorities.

Below is the complete text of Chief Priest Yomere’s press statement: “

"I have consistently stated that 90% of the land of Gbaramatu rightfully belongs to the Omadino community. I will prove this to the people of Bakokodia, who are connected to Kokodiagbene. In 1975, there was a legal case with the suit number W35/75, which they took to the Supreme Court. The people of Kokodiagbene, including Michael Ari, Ayuku, and JB Ari, approached the court regarding the Omadino people; moreover, E. A. Ogobine, Thomas Ugbameta, and others representing the Omadino community eventually negotiated a settlement outside of court.

"As part of this consent agreement, which effectively became a court pronouncement, the people of Bakokodia recognized the customary tenant belonging to the Omadino community and acknowledged that the land in question belongs to Omadino. They also agreed to a sharing of proceeds from that land, with the Omadino community receiving one-third of all earnings from resources in that area, including Jones Creek and Otunana. The agreement was duly signed by both parties' legal representatives.

"Additionally, I would like to address the issue of land grabbing, which has deeply affected the people of Gbaramatu, allegedly facilitated by government officials. I urge the federal government to take note of recent events. It has been reported that they forcefully invaded our community, compelling residents to accept their authority. However, can you change the language that they speak? The people of Ijaghala continue to speak Itsekiri, just as those in Kantu do. Their traditions and cultural practices endure.

"Can you change names that have been established for generations? The answer is no. Names associated with historical figures and events cannot be altered. It is evident that manipulation is being attempted, but that is unacceptable. I appeal again to the federal and state governments—there is clear evidence that certain groups are engaged in illegal land grabbing. If their actions were legal, they would not resort to coercion.

"Recently, it has been claimed that individuals from the Gbaramatu community intend to invade Omadino and Obodo communities. We are prepared for your arrival; however, let me caution you that attempting to forcefully impose your will on us will not end well. History is a teacher, and we stand united.

"There is an old saying that when diplomacy fails, war may be inevitable. However, it is crucial to remember that in conflict, the fault lies not with weapons but with human actions. The conditions our community faces, particularly in Gbaramatu, where many have lost their jobs and been driven away from their workplaces, require urgent attention. The situation in Akpata, where we sought assistance from the state commissioner of police two weeks ago, has not improved.

"Despite our communications with various authorities, including the federal government, no effective action has been taken. If this persists, we will be compelled to defend ourselves, and no one should hold us accountable for the consequences. It is necessary for the federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to intervene. Should they continue to neglect this issue, the responsibility for any resulting violence will fall upon them.”

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