DESOPADEC Commissioner, Hon. Ofe backs Warri Monarch’s statement on alleged divide and rule tactics of IOCs, says it was timely

The Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. Sunny Ofe, says the Olu of Warri’s warning to multinational oil companies, urging them to desist from their alleged divide and rule tactics, was timely and necessary.

Recall that The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in a recent warning to multinational oil and gas companies, operating in Itsekiri land, reportedly declared that peace cannot exist where there is no justice.

The King, emphasized that a people surrounded by abundant natural wealth, yet trapped in poverty, can no longer accept such injustice.

According to the Monarch, “enough is enough” for those charlatans conniving with oil companies to exploit host communities.

DESOPADEC Commissioner, Hon. Ofe, while weighing in on the revered Monarch’s position, noted that both the oil companies and compromised individuals within the communities, who collaborate in exploiting the people, were rightly called out.

He noted that both the oil companies and compromised individuals within the communities, who collaborate in exploiting the people, were rightly called out.

Hon. Ofe stressed that environmental degradation and unemployment levels in Itsekiri oil-producing communities, are alarmingly high, making it imperative for the Olu of Warri to raise the alarm.

Hon. Sunny Ofe

The DESOPADEC Commissioner, explained that the warning was also crucial in preventing potential crises in the oil sector, which could negatively affect national oil production at a time when the country can least afford it.

Clarifying the Olu’s statement that there can be no peace without justice, Hon. Ofe, stated that many multinational oil companies have exploited Itsekiri communities for decades.

He cited examples of Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMOUs) signed with companies such as Shell and Chevron, which have largely been ignored, saying instead of honouring the agreements, the companies allegedly promote divide-and-rule tactics to weaken the communities and continue exploitation.

According to Hon. Ofe, no responsible father would remain silent, while his children suffer oppression and injustice.

He emphasized that the people are yearning for employment opportunities, basic amenities, and improved living conditions.

On the issue of community and middlemen leaders, who purportedly connive with oil companies, the Commissioner stated that such actions are deliberate strategies employed by multinationals to shortchange the people and undermine collective bargaining power.

Speaking on the implications of the Olu of Warri’s warning, Hon. Ofe said it would mount pressure on oil companies to implement long-abandoned GMoUs signed with host communities decades ago.

He also highlighted that the abandoned Turbine Power Project, meant to provide electricity to some Itsekiri communities, began to receive attention only after Ogiame Atuwatse III ascended the throne.

He noted that individuals benefiting from diesel supply contracts are resisting progress to maintain the status quo.

Hon. Ofe  compared Itsekiri communities with places like Bonny and Eket, which enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, urging oil companies operating in Itsekiri areas to emulate best practices rather than promoting division.

He stressed that internal compromise weakens negotiations and undermines development efforts. When asked about the way forward, Hon. Ofe urged oil multinational managements to change their operational approach and stop encouraging division within host communities.

He called for genuine engagement and responsibility toward community development. On whether it was justified for the Olu of Warri to commend the Delta State Government for people-oriented projects, Hon. Ofe affirmed that the state government is executing projects that should ordinarily be the responsibility of oil companies.

He cited road projects linking communities around the Dibi Field in Warri North Local Government Area as a clear example. Regarding actions taken by his office, Hon. Ofe disclosed that he has held several meetings with oil multinationals to prioritize the needs of host communities.

He added that his office is advocating for regular stakeholder meetings involving government officials, communities, and oil companies to review interests and align on a common goal of meeting the people’s needs.

Addressing concerns about betrayal within communities, Hon. Ofe expressed optimism, stating that awareness levels are now higher and community participation has increased significantly.

Hon. Ofe called on oil companies to cooperate with His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri, whose primary objective, he said, is the welfare, development, and improve living conditions of his people.

Credit: Dere Cheke

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