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The Association of Orogho Community Council of Representatives in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo state has called on the state government to intervene in a dispute over oil wells allegedly ceded to neighbouring communities in Delta state by Seplat Energy Plc.
The community warned that it would resist the proposed drilling of oil well 5 in Orogho, Ugu Ward, if the company failed to address its grievances, insisting that the dispute must be resolved before further operations commence.
In a press statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr Ikponmwosa Osayomore on Friday, the council alleged that Seplat had transferred six oil wells belonging to Orogho to Boborokun and Okunu communities in Delta state.
It said, “the proposed drilling would bring the number of disputed wells to seven.”
It maintained that it was not opposed to Seplat’s operations but insisted that the company must respect its rights and entitlements.
The council said coordinates available from the Edo State Geographic Information System supported its claim to the disputed oil wells and questioned the basis for transferring the associated benefits to communities in Delta State.
It also challenged the company’s reported position that the matter was sub judice, arguing that if the dispute was before a court, the parties should await the court’s decision.
The community urged the Edo state government and relevant regulatory authorities to intervene urgently, warning that it would resist the proposed drilling if its demands were ignored.
The council traced the dispute to 2013, when Seplat took over the facilities of Shell Petroleum Development Company, alleging that the community had since suffered persistent marginalisation and denial of its oil-related entitlements.
It recalled petitioning the Edo State Boundary Commission on September 25, 2025, over Seplat’s alleged refusal to recognise certified copies of the coordinates identifying the oil wells as belonging to Orogho.
“On December 1, 2025, we also wrote to the Edo State Commissioner of Police over the marginalisation,” the statement added.
However, Seplat Energy’s Community Relations Manager, Mr. Sunday Okologo, described the allegations as unfounded.
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