Cynthia Ezegwu
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend further crude oil drilling in the disputed oil wells along the Edo-Delta border until the long-standing boundary dispute is resolved.
Idahosa made the appeal on Friday in Benin while receiving members of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) led by its Director-General, Adamu Adaji. He also called on the Federal Government to freeze the accounts of Delta State-based oil companies operating in the affected areas to ensure fairness and justice.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the President to stop, or instruct the regulatory agencies to stop, all benefits accruing to Delta State pending when this matter is resolved,” Idahosa said, describing Delta State’s actions as deliberate attempts to delay resolution.
The deputy governor urged the NBC to thoroughly examine all documents relating to the disputed oil wells to determine rightful ownership. He commended the Orogho and Urhonigbe communities, where the oil rigs are located, for remaining peaceful despite what he called “provocation” from Delta State.
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In response, NBC Director-General Adamu Adaji reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to resolving the matter urgently. “We cannot allow a party to delay the process. There must be an end to it. We have come to a point where we will interface with the two sides, meet some individuals if need be, for clarity, and ensure this issue is resolved once and for all,” he said.
The Edo-Delta boundary dispute intensified after Seplat Energy allegedly ceded six oil wells in the Orogho community of Edo State to Delta. The Edo State Government has taken steps to address the issue, including engaging Delta authorities and relevant agencies, while reassuring the Orogho community of its commitment to reclaiming ownership.
The community has expressed satisfaction with the state government’s prompt intervention, noting that royalties were previously paid to Edo State before the operations were transferred to Delta.