CONCERNS OVER TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES AT SPL GROUNDBREAKING IN IWHREKAN
April 18, 2026 | News
Let me state clearly from the outset that the Iwhrekan community welcomes and appreciates
*CONCERNS OVER TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES AT SPL GROUNDBREAKING IN IWHREKAN*
-By Zik Gbemre
Attention:
Gov Sheriff Oborevwori
The Management, SPL Utorogu Gas Project
The NEPL/ND Western Ltd
The Department of State Services(DSS)
The Nigerian Police Force
The Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom
The Chairman,Iwhrekan community
The Okpako-Orere, Iwhrekan Community
Date: April 19, 2026
I write as a key stakeholder and elder of Iwhrekan community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State to express deep concern over developments that occurred during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Utorogu Southfield Petroleum Limited (SPL) Gas Project held on April 14, 2026, in Iwhrekan.
Let me state clearly from the outset that the Iwhrekan community welcomes and appreciates the SPL Gas Project. We recognize the economic and developmental value such projects bring to host communities and to Delta State at large. However, certain occurrences at the ceremony have raised serious concerns among community stakeholders.
While Iwhrekan remains a peaceful and hospitable host, the events of the day suggested a calculated attempt to undermine our traditional heritage and territorial sovereignty.
*The Facts*
*1. Jurisdictional Clarity*
Iwhrekan community is an integral part of the Ughievwen Kingdom in Urhobo land. Our only recognized traditional supreme authority is the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom. Although the Okobaro of Ughievwen was rightly invited and present, the inclusion of Itsekiri traditional representatives constitutes a violation of established traditional boundaries. Utorogu and its environs are firmly within Urhobo land, not Itsekiri territory.
*2. Provocative Presence*
The appearance of representatives of the Olu of Itsekiri at a project site in the heart of Ughievwen territory is viewed as an overreach and an affront to the Urhobo nation. Urhobo has several traditional rulers who should have been invited if broader representation was desired. Historically, Ughievwen stakeholders and traditional rulers are neither invited to, nor do they interfere with, project ceremonies in Escravos or Ugborodo, which are recognized Itsekiri territories. Mutual respect for boundaries must be upheld.
*3. Pattern of Encroachment*
There has been a noticeable pattern where companies linked to the Itsekiri traditional institution, such as Pipeline Infrastructure Limited and Ocean Marine Solutions, have secured significant contracts within our land, including the Utorogu–UPS pipeline project. While we allowed these commercial activities to proceed in the spirit of peace, the apparent attempt to introduce traditional representation at a ceremony in Iwhrekan crosses a line.
*4. Economic History*
It is also noted that Itsekiri-owned firms, including Temile and Sons, have historically benefited from major contracts at the Utorogu Gas Plant (Phases 1, 2 and 3). While commerce may operate across communities, traditional authority does not. Economic participation must not be misconstrued as territorial claim.
*Our Position and Demands*
*1. To the Management of SPL, NEPL, and ND Western:*
You are hereby formally notified to refrain from any actions that suggest the Utorogu Gas Plant area or OML 34 falls under the influence of the Itsekiri traditional institution. Respect for local traditional hierarchy is essential to maintaining your social license to operate.
*2. To the Olu of Itsekiri and Chiefs:*
We advise the Itsekiri traditional institution to refrain from involvement in matters concerning Utorogu and OML 34. Just as Urhobo people do not interfere in traditional or project activities within Itsekiri domains, similar restraint is expected.
*3. To the Delta State Government:*
We call on the State Government to take note of this developing concern. The peace in the Utorogu axis must not be jeopardized by actions that can be interpreted as territorial expansion.
The people of Iwhrekan and the Ughievwen Kingdom remain committed to the success of the SPL Gas Project. However, we will not compromise our identity or territorial heritage in the process.
Urhobo land must be respected as Urhobo land.
Zik Gbemre
April 19,2026
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes
-By Zik Gbemre
Attention:
Gov Sheriff Oborevwori
The Management, SPL Utorogu Gas Project
The NEPL/ND Western Ltd
The Department of State Services(DSS)
The Nigerian Police Force
The Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom
The Chairman,Iwhrekan community
The Okpako-Orere, Iwhrekan Community
Date: April 19, 2026
I write as a key stakeholder and elder of Iwhrekan community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State to express deep concern over developments that occurred during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Utorogu Southfield Petroleum Limited (SPL) Gas Project held on April 14, 2026, in Iwhrekan.
Let me state clearly from the outset that the Iwhrekan community welcomes and appreciates the SPL Gas Project. We recognize the economic and developmental value such projects bring to host communities and to Delta State at large. However, certain occurrences at the ceremony have raised serious concerns among community stakeholders.
While Iwhrekan remains a peaceful and hospitable host, the events of the day suggested a calculated attempt to undermine our traditional heritage and territorial sovereignty.
*The Facts*
*1. Jurisdictional Clarity*
Iwhrekan community is an integral part of the Ughievwen Kingdom in Urhobo land. Our only recognized traditional supreme authority is the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom. Although the Okobaro of Ughievwen was rightly invited and present, the inclusion of Itsekiri traditional representatives constitutes a violation of established traditional boundaries. Utorogu and its environs are firmly within Urhobo land, not Itsekiri territory.
*2. Provocative Presence*
The appearance of representatives of the Olu of Itsekiri at a project site in the heart of Ughievwen territory is viewed as an overreach and an affront to the Urhobo nation. Urhobo has several traditional rulers who should have been invited if broader representation was desired. Historically, Ughievwen stakeholders and traditional rulers are neither invited to, nor do they interfere with, project ceremonies in Escravos or Ugborodo, which are recognized Itsekiri territories. Mutual respect for boundaries must be upheld.
*3. Pattern of Encroachment*
There has been a noticeable pattern where companies linked to the Itsekiri traditional institution, such as Pipeline Infrastructure Limited and Ocean Marine Solutions, have secured significant contracts within our land, including the Utorogu–UPS pipeline project. While we allowed these commercial activities to proceed in the spirit of peace, the apparent attempt to introduce traditional representation at a ceremony in Iwhrekan crosses a line.
*4. Economic History*
It is also noted that Itsekiri-owned firms, including Temile and Sons, have historically benefited from major contracts at the Utorogu Gas Plant (Phases 1, 2 and 3). While commerce may operate across communities, traditional authority does not. Economic participation must not be misconstrued as territorial claim.
*Our Position and Demands*
*1. To the Management of SPL, NEPL, and ND Western:*
You are hereby formally notified to refrain from any actions that suggest the Utorogu Gas Plant area or OML 34 falls under the influence of the Itsekiri traditional institution. Respect for local traditional hierarchy is essential to maintaining your social license to operate.
*2. To the Olu of Itsekiri and Chiefs:*
We advise the Itsekiri traditional institution to refrain from involvement in matters concerning Utorogu and OML 34. Just as Urhobo people do not interfere in traditional or project activities within Itsekiri domains, similar restraint is expected.
*3. To the Delta State Government:*
We call on the State Government to take note of this developing concern. The peace in the Utorogu axis must not be jeopardized by actions that can be interpreted as territorial expansion.
The people of Iwhrekan and the Ughievwen Kingdom remain committed to the success of the SPL Gas Project. However, we will not compromise our identity or territorial heritage in the process.
Urhobo land must be respected as Urhobo land.
Zik Gbemre
April 19,2026
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes