OML 150 Communities Issue 21-Day Ultimatum To Conoil
Host Communities to Oil Mining Lease (OML) 150 have issued a 21-day ultimatum to Conoil Producing Limited, operators of the Obodo Field, to open negotiation with the Comrade Monday Agbeyi-led Communities Consultative Forum so as to avoid being evicted from the area.
The ultimatum was contained in a press statement by the Chairman of the Forum Comrade Monday Agbeyi, Saturday.
Indigenes of the seven host communities of OML 150 stormed the Conoil Obodo Field in Delta state, bringing all activities to a halt in a peaceful protest, Friday.
Bearing placards with inscriptions which include “Conoil answer Monday Agbeyi exco or leave our land,” the protesters vowed not to leave the premises and also allow any worker into the site until the company listens to them and commences immediate engagement with the chosen leadership.
Agbeyi warned Conoil not to misconstrue the peaceful disposition of the OML 150 host communities for cowardice.
He declared that the communities are ready to use all within their means to ensure justice in their land.
He further commended the Palace of the Olu of Warri, for adding it’s voice to the matter in order to clear any “cloud of doubt that the Monday Agbeyi led executive is the only constituted body for now, representing the seven host communities of OML 150”.
He expressed sadness that the management of Conoil Producing Limited still want to undermine the authority of the Palace of the Olu of Warri and the host communities by refusing to open discussion with the legally constituted executive of the Forum.
“It beats our imagination that after the peace meeting organised by the Palace of the Olu of Warri on Thursday, 17th June 2021, which was duly attended by Conoil Producing Limited and the Comrade Monday Agbeyi led executive was duly presented as the right executive to oversee the affairs of the forum, the company still maintains its old fashioned stand.
“The impunity has grown to the extent that the management of the company no longer has any iota of regard for the landlord communities, the Olu of Warri and the Delta State Government.
“In spite of the various letters written by the trio to ensure dialogue for a peaceful coexistence, the company seems to be adamant and resort to divide-and-rule strategy.”
A letter dated June 17, addressed to Conoil’s management and duly signed by the regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, the Iyatsere, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe and director of the Olu of Warri Palace Administration, Chief Clement Maleghemi, directed all dues accrued to OML 150 since January 2021 to be paid to the Monday-Agbeyi-led executive.
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