Eworitsemogha Community Demands Rights from Conoil, Gives 14-Day Ultimatum

Eworitsemogha Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has given Conoil Producing Limited 14 days to address its grievances over alleged exclusion from host-community benefits under Oil Mining Lease (OML) 150.

During a peaceful protest at some oil well locations in the community on Sunday, dozens of locals demanded formal recognition, fair representation, N200 million compensation, employment opportunities and infrastructure development from the oil firm.

The protesters carried placards reading: “Eworitsemogha Is an Oil Producing Community. We Demand Our Lawful Host-Community Rights,” “We Are Not Against Oil Production. We Demand Responsible Partnership With Our Community,” among others.

Speaking with WSentinel News, the Eworitsemogha Trust Chairman, Augustine Dottie, said the community had pursued the matter for over 19 years, accusing Conoil of ignoring repeated efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully.

He said interventions by the Palace of the Olu of Warri and the Aghofen Conflict Resolution Committee had failed to produce results, adding that the community petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on September 17.

“Other companies that operated in the area before Conoil, recognised our community. We therefore ask: Why is Conoil different?” Dottie queried.

Conducting WS crew round oil wells situated in the community, Vice Trust Chairman, Prince Bobi, said several wellheads, including Wells 2, 4, 6, 9, 17 and 27, were ready for pipeline connections to the Obodo Flow Station.

In separate speeches, the community Youth Chairman, George Mofe, Women Leader’s representative, Alero Eworitsemogha and Egharaja Samuel Kolo, representing the Olaraja, demanded that their community's historical relationship with oil operations be recognised.

In a statement issued after the protest, the community demanded three functional speedboats, a jetty, potable water, a town hall, scholarships, women’s empowerment and skills training for youths.

It gave Conoil until October 25 to respond in writing, arrange a meeting with community representatives and relevant authorities, and outline a resolution framework. It also demanded an implementation programme within 60 days.

The community appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, His Majesty Atuwatse III and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to intervene, warning that failure to secure a meaningful response would lead to further peaceful protests and legal action.