From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Urhobo community of Iwevbo, under Ugu ward of Orhiomnwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have protested alleged neglect and marginalisation by the management of Newcross Petroleum Limited, operators of the OML 152.
The community also known as Ovre-Eku, who embarked on a peaceful protest, described the company’s unwillingness to recognise the status of the most senior man of the community as an affront and against the provisions of the CDC Prohibition Law 2017.
In a protest letter, Barr. Anthony Ukueku said upon inauguration of the Iwevbo Elders Council Representatives, sometime in October, 2022, several letters were written to Newcross, which the company acknowledged but failed to engage the people as expected.
Ukueku alleged that Newcross refused them access to meaningful engagement “on the ground that they have been dealing with the Iwevbo community through the Enogie of Orogho community from time past, which does not make it right.
“We want Newcross to stop the registration process of the Orhionmwon 1 Host Community Development Trust with NUPRC or other governmental agencies, and, in place, commence registration of ours as Iwevbo Host Community Development Trust, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
“We want Newcross to recognise and engage the community established Iwevbo Elders Council Representatives as they are the ones saddled with the day to day administration of the community, and, also, pay their entitlements and or compensations through Iwevbo Elders Council Representatives.
Speaking, the oldest man in the community, Joseph Ukueku, told the company to negotiate with them, reiterating that they would continue with the tussle until their demands are met.
A female indigene of the area, Mrs. Ufuoma Onomine, said the community lacked tarred roads, pipe borne water, schools, electricity and other social amenities, pointing out that they have benefited nothing from the oil firm.
Reacting, the Public Relations Officer of the Newcross Petroleum Limited, Mr. William Ugiagbe, denied the allegations and said the community was neither marginalised nor neglected. He said the company’s operations were in Iwevbo, a community he said was under a Orogho Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Uguagbe said in line with the company’s engagement policy, and with the directive from the palace of the Oba of Benin, they were dealing with all the communities in Dukedom, including the Iwevbo, through the royal father, the Enogie of Orogho Dukedom.