By Chesa Chesa
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Orhue I, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), has appealed to the Federal Government to save Ugbokodo community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, that is under threat of submersion owing to ecological degradation .
The monarch made the appeal on Monday in Abuja when he led a high-powered delegation that included the Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone, and high-ranking palace chiefs, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
He lamented the sorry fate of Ugbokodo despite its massive contribution to the national treasury, hosting eight oil wells and the largest manifold in West Africa, operated by Seplat Energies and Heritage Oil.
The Orodje noted that Ugbokodo contributes approximately 11.4% of Nigeria’s annual oil revenue from the “Rapele Oil Field” and hosts critical infrastructure for the NNPCL, including gas riser stations and pipeline networks connecting to the Forcados Terminal and the AKK project.
“It is sad to note that both Shell and her takeovers – Seplat Energies, NEPL, Heritage Energy, and the Federal Government – had consciously and unconsciously neglected this community over the years,” the Orodje stated.
The royal father lamented that the resultant effects of decades of oil exploration have triggered a severe ecological menace. As a coastal community, Ugbokodo is currently battling aggressive land degradation, gully erosion, and rivers overflowing their banks, which have combined to wash away homes and farmlands.
“I, as a royal father, am constrained by these challenges threatening my people’s existence. I hereby seek the help of your good offices for quick intervention on shoreline protection, land reclamation and road improvement works”, he said.
The Orodje reminded the SGF that a formal petition regarding the shoreline protection and reclamation had been submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) as far back as December 20, 2024, yet the situation continues to worsen.
In his response, the SGF pledged to relay the specific concerns of the Orodje to President Bola Tinubu for high-level consideration, saying while government is doing its part, companies operating in the area are also expected to do theirs.
He assured the delegation that his office would collaborate immediately with the Ministry of Environment to assess the situation and develop a framework for intervention.
