Court Orders Chevron Nigeria Ltd to Stop Compensation Payments to Itsekiri Communities
The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ruled that Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) must stop compensating the Itsekiri communities of Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele in Warri South and Warri South West local government areas.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by members of the Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West, against Chevron, Ode-Itsekiri, and other parties in case FHC/WR/CS/49/2024. The plaintiffs, including prominent community members such as Pa Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, and Elder David Kiriodougha, argued that the 1982 Consent Judgment concerning land use compensation had been fully implemented and was no longer applicable.
In his ruling on January 31, 2025, Justice H. A. Nganjiwa declared that the 1982 judgment, which was linked to earlier suits from the 1970s and 1980s, had expired and was no longer enforceable. The court also granted the plaintiffs’ request for an injunction, halting Chevron’s compensation payments based on the expired judgment.
Justice Nganjiwa found that Chevron was no longer legally obligated to pay further compensation under the expired agreement, as its terms had been fulfilled. The court issued a perpetual injunction preventing Chevron from making additional compensation payments.
This ruling brings an end to a long-standing legal battle over compensation for land use in the region.
Following the judgment, tensions have escalated in Warri South West, particularly in Abiteye Community, where some individuals allegedly issued an eviction ultimatum to Itsekiris working at the Abiteye flow station. A Facebook group, Warri Advocacy Group, condemned the alleged eviction notice, which reportedly demanded that Itsekiris identify as Ijaws or leave.
The Itsekiri Defence Council (IDC), led by Gen. Iwedundun Akpakpa, responded by asserting that the Abiteye flow station and surrounding lands, including Deghele and Bateren, are Itsekiri ancestral lands. The IDC warned of potential unrest if threats against the Itsekiri people continue, calling on both the Delta State and Federal Governments to intervene.
Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation to ensure peace is maintained in the region.
