The leadership of the Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has dismissed reports alleging that a court ordered parties to maintain the status quo in an ongoing leadership dispute, describing the publication as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Chairman of Odidi Community Executive Council, Amb. Truston Gbenekama, clarified that no such order or directive was made by the Delta State High Court sitting in Warri during proceedings held on June 4, 2026.

According to the statement, the matter was merely called up for hearing and subsequently adjourned to July 21, 2026, due to the inability of some parties in the suit to be properly served with court processes.

"The court did not issue any order directing parties to maintain the status quo, nor did it make any pronouncement concerning the leadership or administration of the Odidi Community Executive," the statement said.

In the statement jointly signed by Amb. Truston Gbenekama, and Secretary, Amb. Bene Mamamu, challenged those behind the publication titled "Court Orders Maintenance of Status Quo in Odidi Leadership Dispute" to produce and publish the alleged court order if it truly exists.

According to the statement, what has been circulated by supporters of the previous administration led by Prince Preye Okrikpa is merely a motion filed before the court on April 10, 2026, and not a ruling or order of the court.

The Gbenekama-led executive described the publication as an attempt to distort judicial proceedings, mislead stakeholders, and create unnecessary tension within the community.

"The publication is misleading, unfounded, and a calculated effort to misrepresent the true position of the court. It is intended to create confusion among community members, government agencies, oil companies, contractors, and other stakeholders who have working relationships with the Amb. Gbenekama-led Odidi Community leadership," the statement added.

The executive further maintained that there is no parallel leadership in the community, insisting that the current administration led by Amb. Gbenekama remains the recognised leadership structure in Odidi.

It stated that the Odidi executive, headed by Amb. Gbenekama, had received recognition and endorsement from the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, critical leaders, stakeholders and oil firms working in the Niger Delta, and continued to function as the legitimate leadership of the community.

The statement also accused former community chairman Okrikpa of pursuing personal interests, insisting that ongoing actions challenging the current leadership are motivated by self-interest rather than the collective good of the community.

The Odidi Executive therefore called on oil and gas companies, government institutions, contractors, development partners, and members of the public to disregard the reported claim of a court-ordered status quo, stressing that no such directive exists.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, due process, and the rule of law, while assuring stakeholders that community affairs would continue to be conducted responsibly pending the determination of the matter before the court.

The leadership also appealed to all sons and daughters of the Odidi Community to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as the legal process continues.

The matter is expected to come up again before the Delta State High Court, Warri, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

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