Olu of Warri to Chevron: Peace Without Justice Is No Longer Sustainable In Itsekiriland

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, weekend has warned oil exploration firm Chevron and other oil companies operating in Itsekiriland, declaring that the era of patience without justice has ended for oil-bearing communities in the western Niger Delta.

Speaking after a tour of riverine Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State, the monarch said decades of oil extraction have left his people “poor, discouraged and tired,” despite contributing massively to Nigeria’s wealth.

Olu of Warri visit amidst recent protest against multi-national oil giant Chevron.

Addressing Chevron directly, from its local operations to its headquarters in Houston, the Olu said the company must not mistake the peaceful disposition of the Itsekiri people for weakness.

In his words, “Chevron chose to remain onshore when others retreated offshore to avoid community accountability.
We believe you recognized the blessing God has bestowed on us, and thus wish to remain here among us, to continue to enjoy the blessing.

“Despite the “facts” that could have easily pushed you away. We welcome you, we accommodate you. We believe in true partnership.
That will yield in mutual success, one that makes your operation & presence in this part of the world, a model for your global operation. But please, do not take our peaceful nature & mistake it for weakness

“Because the record speaks clearly.
Before your arrival as Gulf Oil, our people in these communities lived better lives than they do today.

“Let us be honest, peaceful people can become desperate people, especially when 6 decades of evidence tells them that not only are they not the priority, but also, that they do not matter. And as is the case in the ND, the oil companies have shown that they respond faster to threats than to dialogue, which is truly most unfortunate.

He further noted that oil companies in the Niger Delta have historically “responded faster to threats than to dialogue,” a reality he described as “most unfortunate.”

Olu also delivered a searing indictment of internal betrayal within Itsekiriland, accusing some self-styled leaders of trading the collective destiny of the people for personal gain.

“No external actor can undermine us unless someone inside unlocks the door. This is not hatred. This is a call to repentance.”

The monarch however acknowledged ongoing infrastructure projects by the Delta State Government and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving the Itsekiri people “a listening ear.” adding that nation-building must begin at the grassroots.

“We are tired of poverty in the midst of abundant wealth, thirsty yet surrounded by water,” he said.

He emphasized that locals must not be treated as “window dressing or a necessary evil,” insisting that oil companies must do better in employing host community youths.

He warned Chevron, Shell’s successor Renaissance, and other operators that the palace would no longer stand by and watch the people wallow in poverty amid plenty.