Olu of Warri Issues Stern Warning to Oil Companies Over Injustice in Itsekiriland
Warri, Delta State | Monday, 12 January 2026
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has issued a strong and unequivocal warning to Chevron and other oil companies operating in Itsekiriland, declaring that peace without justice is no longer sustainable after more than six decades of oil exploration and production in the area.
The revered monarch expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued neglect, environmental degradation, and impoverishment of host communities despite the enormous wealth generated from their land. He stressed that Itsekiriland has borne the burden of oil extraction for over 60 years, yet the people have little to show for it in terms of development, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
According to the Olu of Warri, the long-standing narrative of maintaining peace through temporary arrangements and surface-level engagements has failed to address the fundamental issues of equity, inclusion, and accountability. He warned that sustainable peace cannot exist where justice, fairness, and meaningful development are absent.
The monarch called on Chevron and other oil-producing companies to urgently reassess their relationship with host communities, prioritize genuine development, and address environmental damage caused by decades of operations. He also emphasized the need for transparent engagement, respect for traditional institutions, and full compliance with community development obligations.
Observers view the warning as a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around resource control, corporate responsibility, and community rights in the Niger Delta. The statement has already sparked renewed attention to the demands of Itsekiri communities for fairness, restoration, and long-term prosperity.
As tensions around oil production and host community relations continue to shape the region’s socio-economic landscape, the Olu of Warri’s message signals a clear call for justice-driven engagement and a departure from business as usual.
