Itsekiri Community alleges oppression by oil companies

Pan Yoruba group defends Aja Osolo

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

The Aja Osolo Itsekiri community in Delta State has alleged marginalisation by oil companies operating in the area.

Tension stocked at the OML 150 Obodo Flow Station on as members of the Aja Osolo community reported a hostile invasion allegedly orchestrated by a group affiliated with the OML 150 Forum.

In his reacting, the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM), a coalition of 130 Pan Yoruba groups condemned the oil companies and their agents for acts akin to terrorism.

AYDM General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi urged the oil companies to respect the host communities or face legal battle both in Nigeria or abroad.

“We are monitoring the developments in Aja Osolo and other Itsekiri communities where host communities are being treated like slaves on their own land. We are ready to challenge this corporate irresponsible and ensure the Oil companies do not get away with this crime against the indigenous Itsekiri people that own the oil,” AYDM said in a response made available to Irohinoodua.

The fear raised fresh concerns over corporate-community relations in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.

According to a statement issued by representatives of the Aja Osolo community led by Monday Agbeyi the oil company agents arrived at the Obodo Flow Station with six boats—five of which were speedboats filled with young men reportedly armed with cutlasses and battle axes.

The community allegedly by passed both Nigerian Navy and Army checkpoints and advanced towards the jetty where community members had been staging a peaceful protest.
The protest, according to the statement, was aimed at drawing attention to what the community describes as “neglect, exploitation, and the lack of benefits” since oil firms Conoil and CCNL commenced operations on Aja Osolo ancestral land in September 2024. Protesters claimed there have been no significant employment opportunities, social investment, or development projects provided to the community.
“The blockade was a civil response to the injustices we’ve faced,” the statement read. “Our people have been left behind while our land continues to be exploited.”
Community leaders allege that the OML 150 Forum-backed group dismantled the protest barricades, leading to the arrival of Nigerian Navy personnel on a gunboat shortly afterward. The military reportedly issued threats to resume crude loading operations by force.
In a show of resilience, members of the Aja Osolo community reconvened at the jetty in continued non-violent protest. The military reportedly stood down after approximately one hour and withdrew to their houseboat.
“The actions of today reflect a dangerous alliance between economic interests, hired thugs, and armed security forces—all aimed at silencing the legitimate voices of a marginalized community,” the statement added.
The community has issued an urgent appeal for intervention to:
• The Olu of Warri and other Itsekiri traditional leaders
• The Federal Government of Nigeria
• The Delta State Government
• The Warri South-West Local Government Council
• Human rights organizations and the media
They stress that the conflict transcends oil extraction, touching on core issues of dignity, justice, and survival.
“This is our ancestral land,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to peacefully defend our rights, but we demand that the oppression ends now. We say to Conoil and CCNL: Respect our land. Respect our people.”
As of press time, efforts to reach Conoil, CCNL, and local security officials for comment were unsuccessful.