ABUJA: The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Orhue I, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to intervene in the ecological crisis threatening to submerge the Ugbokodo community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
Leading a high-powered delegation including the Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone, and high-ranking palace chiefs, the monarch presented his grievances to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, in Abuja on Monday.
The Orodje noted the stark contrast between Ugbokodo’s massive contribution to the national treasury and its current state of ruin. Despite hosting eight oil wells and the largest manifold in West Africa, operated by Seplat Energies and Heritage Oil, the community remains a victim of systemic abandonment, he stated.
The monarch noted that Ugbokodo contributes approximately 11.4% of Nigeria’s annual oil revenue from the “Rapele Oil Field” and hosts critical infrastructure for the NNPCL, including gas riser stations and pipeline networks connecting to the Forcados Terminal and the AKK project.
“It is sad to note that both Shell and her takeovers – Seplat Energies, NEPL, Heritage Energy, and the Federal Government – had consciously and unconsciously neglected this community over the years,” the Orodje stated.
The royal father lamented that the resultant effects of decades of oil exploration have triggered a severe ecological menace. As a coastal community, Ugbokodo is currently battling aggressive land degradation, gully erosion, and rivers overflowing their banks, which have combined to wash away homes and farmlands.
“I, as a royal father, am constrained by these challenges threatening my people’s existence.
“I hereby seek the help of your good offices for quick intervention on shoreline protection, land reclamation and road improvement works”, he said.
The Orodje reminded the SGF that a formal petition regarding the shoreline protection and reclamation had been submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) as far back as December 20, 2024, yet the situation continues to worsen.
In his response, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed concern over the plight of the Okpe people.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government is committed to addressing ecological challenges across the country.
Senator Akume promised that his office would collaborate immediately with the Ministry of Environment to assess the situation and develop a framework for intervention.
He further pledged to relay the specific concerns of the Orodje to President Bola Tinubu for high-level consideration, saying while government is doing its part, companies operating in the area atr also expected to do theirs.