Dafinone Defends Position on Sanubi-Orogun Industrial Gas Park, Rejects Claims of Anti-Urhobo Agenda

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has dismissed allegations that his intervention in the proposed Industrial Gas Park at Sanubi-Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, is intended to deprive the Urhobo people of the project’s economic benefits.

Dafinone, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said his concern was to ensure that the proposed investment delivers meaningful value to the Urhobo Nation and is not undermined by unresolved land, ownership, technical or environmental issues.

The senator made his position known in a statement issued against the backdrop of growing political controversy over the project’s location and future.

He explained that his involvement followed legislative oversight activities and engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), through which he became aware of outstanding concerns surrounding land acquisition, ownership claims and the suitability of the proposed site.

According to him, those concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to industrial development in Urhobo land.

Dafinone maintained that any review of the project’s location must be guided by facts, due process and consultation with relevant stakeholders. He stressed that no decision should lead to the removal of the project from Urhobo land.

“Any decision concerning the future location of the project must not result in its removal from Urhobo land,” he said.

The senator, however, acknowledged that legitimate technical, environmental or land-related challenges could require adjustments to the project’s present arrangements. He insisted that such adjustments must be carefully considered and should protect the wider economic interests of the Urhobo people.

Dafinone said he would continue consultations with the NCDMB, relevant federal agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to find a responsible way forward.

He described the proposed Industrial Gas Park as a major opportunity to attract investment, create jobs, strengthen local manufacturing and stimulate industrial growth across the region.

The senator also warned against turning the project into a political contest over ownership or credit, arguing that its potential benefits should take priority over partisan interests.

The controversy intensified after an opinion article questioned the location and viability of the proposed park, while also criticising the role of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege’s camp subsequently accused Dafinone of undermining the project and challenged him to produce technical evidence to support concerns about the Sanubi-Orogun site. It also insisted that the proposed investment should remain in Delta Central and be completed for the benefit of the people.

Responding to the allegations against him, Dafinone said attempts to portray his intervention as hostility towards the Urhobo people were misleading and politically motivated.

“My record and my responsibility are clear: to defend the interests of Delta Central and pursue opportunities that advance the future of our people,” he stated.

He reiterated that his position was not against the Industrial Gas Park but in favour of transparency, proper consultation and a project structure capable of delivering sustainable economic benefits to the Urhobo Nation.