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Okomu Oil Company, Host Communities Impasse: Stakeholders Sue For Peace

Published

3 years ago

July 13, 2022

In its bid to proffering a lasting solution to the frequent clash between host communities and Okomu Oil Company, protest by host communities, etc, a non-Governmental Organisation – Voice of the Earth Initiative (VOTI), Monday, organised a one day Community Stakeholders meeting at Udo, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The programme, with the theme: Sustainable Development and Security, was held with the view to encouraging a mutual relationship between the company and the host communities.

The programme which attracted members of the civil society organisation, community leaders/representatives and other stakeholders was held in partnership with Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO).

In his welcome address, convener the the meeting and Coordinator, VOTI, Chief Sunday Ajele, said the meeting becomes necessary due to the series of reports of attacks, stealing, etc on Okomu Oil Company and the reports of harassment, invasion and evacuation of communities by the company.

While noting that the programme was aimed at enlightening both parties (company and host communities), he added that it was also organised to ensure that companies especially Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and its host communities live harmoniously without any report of infringement.

He said: “This meeting has become very necessary due to the recent developments widely reported on all media which is painting inhabitants and companies in bad relationship.

A cross section of participants at the Okomu Oil Company/communities stakeholders meeting.

“The protest by ATandP community against Okomu Oil company, that took place on the 4th of May 2022 which was reportedly alleged that a trench was dug by Okomu Oil Palm Plantation Company on right of way linking residential houses, schools and religious worship places of inhabitants, which unfortunately led to the shooting of one Mrs Iyabo Butu, if not for the mercy of God, she would have been dead. (Sic)

“We also do not have permanent enemies but we do have, PERMANENT INTEREST. We believe that, living in harmony and respect for all forms of life, human, animals, trees, birds, reptiles and microbes is essential to human happiness, therefore a Human Right.”

The Coordinator, who disclosed that the meeting was the maiden edition, vowed that his organisation would not rest untill a mutual relationship is achieved between Okomu Oil Company and host communities.

Speaking on the theme: Sustainable Development and Security”, the Interim Chairman, Edo Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Austin Enabulele, said there cannot be meaningful development when there is no peace, adding to achieve peace, individuals must imbibe it first before radiating it to others.

Enabulele maintained that the various communities must seek for peace first in all that they do so that there can be sustainable development.

He emphasized that for there to be peace, there must be trust, equity and justice.

On his part, Chief Responsibility Officer, Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, urged communities and Okomu Oil Company to work toward building an expected long-term engagement to drive the greatest impact.

Obasanmi, who was represented by Dr. Bright Oniovokukor posited: “On the part of the company, the management must do all within power to show benevolence and not exploit the community just to maximize profit considering that the day the community discovers this, they accumulated profit cannot compensate for the consequences.

“Community/company relationship has mutual responsibility an benefits hence all must parties must play their roles accordingly. Parties should consult and seek clarification where necessary.”

On his part, Fidelis Olise, Public Relations Officer, Okomu Oil Company, said his company was taking all preventive measures to secure farms, hence the seemingly infringement and complaints from communities.

A cross section of participants at the stakeholders meeting.

Representatives of Iyase of Udo community, Friday Araghagha, who happens to be the community chairman, said his community and the company have been having mutual relationship with no rancor

But Mrs. Helen Dise, from Agbede community accused Okomu Oil Company of evacuating her community for its farm, adding that the river they used for fishing has been polluted.

Ebiye Jonghan from A/T and P community decried the maltreatment they suffered from the company, lamenting that they have been all tagged criminals in the community, stressing that the land Belongs to them hence they should be treated in that regards.

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Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

Published

3 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

News

Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

Published

4 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

News

Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

Published

4 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

“Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.