The Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has debunked what it described as a purported and misleading publication circulating against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), insisting that there is no leadership crisis or threat to peace within the company's OML 42 operational area.

In a statement jointly issued by the Chairman of the community, Amb. Truston Gbenekama, and the Secretary, Chief Bene Mamamu, the community categorically denied demanding sanctions against Heritage Energy over any alleged interference in its leadership affairs.

According to the statement, Odidi Community remains peaceful, while its current leadership is neither in dispute nor subject to any parallel administration.

“There is no crisis and no tension in the OML 42 operating area or in Odidi Community. Our community never petitioned the Federal Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, or any security agency to investigate HEOSL. There is also no parallel government or leadership in Odidi Federated Community,” the statement read.

“The only recognised leadership is the Executive Council headed by Amb. Truston Gbenekama. The current administration is not in dispute. Heritage Energy is engaging with the legitimate leadership duly recognised by the community, government authorities and security agencies. There is no court order against the Gbenekama-led administration," the leadership confirmed.

The community further dissociated itself from a letter reportedly authored by Prince Preye Okrikpa, a former chairman of the community, stressing that he was neither authorised nor mandated to speak on behalf of Odidi Community.

“We wish to reiterate that Prince Preye Okrikpa, a former chairman, has no authority to speak or write on behalf of Odidi Community. The said letter should be disregarded in its entirety. He was not mandated by the community, and no meeting was held to authorise such a publication.

“Our community did not request any urgent intervention or call for regulatory sanctions against HEOSL,” they added.

On the issue of relief materials, the community confirmed receiving items provided by Heritage Energy, noting that distribution to the various sub-communities is ongoing.

“Regarding the relief materials, we confirm that items from HEOSL have been received, and distribution to all sub-communities is ongoing. We commend the company for its diligence and for resisting attempts by unauthorised individuals to derail the process,” the statement added.

The community also denied calling for a review of HEOSL's operational licences, maintaining that there is no court order restraining Heritage Energy from engaging with the community or preventing the community from maintaining relations with the company.

It further dismissed claims of threats to oil and gas operations within OML 42, assuring Heritage Energy, relevant government agencies, security authorities and the general public that Odidi Community remains committed to peace and stability.

“Finally, Odidi Community did not issue any threat to operations, personnel movement, logistics or access routes within OML 42. The community remains peaceful.

“The individuals named in the false publication are members of a defunct executive. We therefore urge the public, HEOSL and all relevant authorities to disregard the publication,” the community maintained.