The Bolowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area and pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (JP) has lamented the neglect of the advocacy for the refund of the 13 per cent derivation fund to host communities in Nigeria.

Chief Okirika, popularly called Mr. 13% Derivation Fund, also expressed his displeasure over the continuous bickering among the ethnic nationalities in Delta South over land ownership while no serious attention is given to the core issue of 13% fund that has been hijacked from them, exacerbating their state of poverty.

The Bolowei made the observation when some members of Host Communities led by Hon. Kukaye Foster, Delta State Chairman of HOSCON, and Dr. Grace Ese Oghenekevwe, Women Leader, Delta State HOSCON, paid him a condolence visit at his residence on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Recall that the wife of the Bolowei, late Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika alias Adorable Mama, passed away after a protracted illness, at the age of 75 years, on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Chief Okirika, who posited that there are no leaders who speak truth to power anymore, hailed late Alfred Rewane and other leaders who stood during their time for the truth and advocated for the refund of the earlier 1.5 derivation fund to the benefit of the people.

"God has blessed us. However, leaders who stand for truth, I see that they are all gone. The battle for resource control started a long time. When derivation fund was 1.5%, the Rewane stood and told Dr. Ambrose Ali of the now defunct Bendel State and encouraged President Shehu Shagari to send the money to our people.

"The 1.5% Committee, I was a member. Barr. Jemide, Ododo... was a member. Today, do we have any leader saying that 13% belong to the people? I've been talking, but I'm tired now," he added.

In their condolences, the Delta State HOSCON men and women said the late Chief Esther Okirika is a mother to them as they are all her children and pledged their support to the Okirika family when the time comes to give her a befitting burial.

They prayed to the Almighty God to strengthen the Bolowei and his family at their moment of sadness. 

Hon. Kukaye also appealed to Chief Okirika to not throw in the towel as it is his destiny to stand for the truth always and lead the clamour for the realization of the refund of 13% derivation fund back to the host communities.

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