The Edo State Government has launched a process to address the alleged transfer of oil wells from the Orogho community in Orhionmw Local Government Area to Delta State.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa led a delegation to Orogho on Friday to discuss a peaceful resolution to the controversy surrounding the oil wells, which are currently operated by Seplat Energy PLC.
According to a statement from the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Friday Aghedo, Idahosa met with the Odionwere of the community, Pa Odiase Omorogieva, along with youth leaders and other community members. The visit aimed to ease tensions and reassure residents about the protection of their resources.
Idahosa commended the community for maintaining peace despite the ceding of their “natural wealth” to another state. He stated, “My visit is to alleviate fears of losing their God-given resources to another state while the community hosting the oil operations benefits from development.”
He also assured the community that the current administration would work with relevant government agencies to restore Edo State’s rightful benefits from the assets and foster socio-economic growth.
During the visit, Idahosa inspected the disputed oil wells alongside Mrs. Adiza Gambati, Seplat Energy’s General Manager for Government Relations. He urged the community to avoid taking matters into their own hands, emphasizing that the issue would be given proper attention.
Community youth leader Charles Eghaghe expressed appreciation for the government’s swift response in addressing the issue. He explained that since 1993, when Shell Petroleum Development Company began operations at the disputed wells, Edo State received royalties and corporate social responsibility benefits. However, the situation changed when Seplat Energy took over. Eghaghe urged the government to act quickly and restore the oil wells to Edo State, noting that many Orogho youths, despite being graduates, remain unemployed.
Idahosa was accompanied by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Mr. Felix Isere, and Hon. Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor.