The people of Opuede Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have issued a stern warning to imposters they describe as "marauders and vultures", including the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and those parading themselves as stakeholders, to steer clear from "its commonwealth" or "face a world of embarrassments."

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the chairman of Opuede Federated Community, Mackson Ode, Esq. and made available to PENGlobal on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Ode, in the statement, said that: "The time has come for the 'CHICHIDODOS' within and outside Opuede Federated Community to steer clear of Opuede and its commonwealth viz-a-viz rights. It's a common knowledge that a geographical entity with a quasi autonomous perceptions cum recognition has certain fundamental and inalienable rights bestowed upon it. Opuede is not an exception."

Ode, who further said that "The current leadership of Opuede will not condone or stand akimbo to watch some 'vultures' who think that Opuede is their farm, to take what rightfully belong to Opuede Federated Community" cautioned that "this is a timely warning to everyone involved in any form of malignancies of the Opuede community interests, to either honourably and respectfully withdraw or face a world of embarrassments."

Continuing, he vowed to stand by the people of Opuede to defend their "inalienable rights through both legal and whatever means possible" just as he called on the IOCs and its collaborating agents to desist from carrying out any work within the community without recourse to the community's legitimate executive council.

"This is therefore to inform the IOCs and their agents collaborating, or about to collaborate with some few elements who present themselves as either stakeholders or men on ground due to their previous status in the scheme of things from the Opuede perspective to shortchange the Opuede Federated Community and its people in the course of doing any form of maintenance or major work within or around the province or neighborhood of Opuede Federated Community without recourse to the valid and legitimate Executive of Opuede Community, that there shall be dire consequences should the trend of injustice continue unabated," Ode warned.

Going further, the Opuede chairman revealed that the community is "well informed of the clandestine activities and arrangements going on with some individuals who parade themselves as the face or Representatives of the Opuede Federated Community" but vowed that such acts would be resisted.

"We shall resist any attempt to carry out any maintainable or work on any Oil or Gas facilities/installations within the Opuede Federated Community's vicinity without due consultation with the Executive of the community," the chairman concluded.

Recall that the Mackson Ode Esq.-led executive council of Opuede Federated Community was inaugurated on Monday, November 20, 2023, to lead the riverine community affairs for the next four years.

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