Sapele Okpe Community leaders in Delta State have rejected claims by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, Alema of Warri Kingdom, over ownership of the proposed Abigborodo Oil Field (PPL 220). In a statement, Okpe leaders insist the land belongs to them, citing colonial records, government White Papers, and legal instruments.
“We state for the umpteenthabie time that the area of land covering PPL 220 does not belong to Abigborodo people,” said Chief Onoriode Temiagin and five other leaders. They argue Uduaghan’s claims contradict a 2020 Delta State Government White Paper and colonial records.
The Okpe leaders question why “Abigborodo Oil Field” was named without local input, adding “No Abigborodo indigene farmed in Okpe land… All existing records show Abigborodo has no land in the Reserve.” Uduaghan had cited colonial records and court decisions; Okpe leaders call his claims “illusions and fake narratives.”
The dispute reignites tensions over Okpe-Urhobo Forest Reserve ownership. Federal and state authorities are expected to review claims.
