Uwakeno Community Draws Line Over Olukpodu, Warns Conoil, Others

Uwakeno Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has rejected an alleged attempt by four individuals to lay claim to its Olukpodu settlement, warning government agencies and companies operating in the area against recognising them as its representatives.

The community, in a public notice/caveat dated August 7, 2026, specifically cautioned the Federal and Delta State Governments, Warri South Local Government, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Conoil Producing Limited and its subsidiaries against entering into transactions with the individuals on matters relating to Uwakeno and its settlements.

Uwakeno identified the persons as Ajueyitsi Stephen Metsese, Omawumi Sakponba Joseph, Vincent Etan Amosuka and their associates, insisting that they hold no position or authority in the community.

The notice was signed by Pa. David Olumami Akiuyatsemi, Olare-Aja/Head of Uwakeno Community, and Prince Emmanuel Afortan Debi, Trust Chairman, Uwakeno Community.

According to the notice, Olukpodu is one of seven settlements that constitute Uwakeno Community, under the traditional authority of the Olu of Warri. The other settlements listed are Sokotsi (Sokochi) Bush, Aghigho/Adjigbeha Bush, Opumami, Uwakeno Bush, Olulaju and Eyekpewogwa Bush.

The community said its claim was backed by historical and corporate records, including the registration of the Registered Trustees of Uwakeno Community with the CAC in Abuja on January 31, 2000, under Registration No. 12646.

It further said its Board of Trustees constitution dated May 11, 1999, also expressly recognised Olukpodu as one of the settlements belonging to Uwakeno.

The Olare-Aja in Council, described by Uwakeno as its highest traditional authority, also dismissed the four individuals as persons without authority to speak or transact business on behalf of the community, stating that they “are not indigenes of Uwakeno Community, or its settlement Olukpodu.”

The community warned that any dealings with the named individuals concerning Uwakeno or Olukpodu would be undertaken at the parties’ own risk, insisting that such dealings would not bind the community.

Recall that women and youths of Aja-Olokpodu Community, led by its Trust chairman, Otos Omeyeremi, last Thursday, staged a protest at oil an 18-year old oil spill site located at oil mining lease (OML) 150. They demanded that the operators immediately cleanup the polluted environment and compensate the community.