The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) to halt the payment of compensation to the Itsekiri communities of Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele in Warri South and Warri South West local government areas.
The ruling followed a suit filed by members of the Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West, against Chevron, Ode-Itsekiri, and other defendants in case number FHC/WR/CS/49/2024.
The judgement, delivered on 31 January 2025 by Honourable Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, declared that a Consent Judgment issued on 12 March 1982—concerning compensation for land use—had expired and was no longer enforceable.
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The plaintiffs, including Pa Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, Elder David Kiriodougha, Captain John Abase, Elder Dogood Ogoloru, and Madam Goldcoast Jimmy, argued that the terms of the 1982 Consent Judgment had been fulfilled, rendering further compensation payments unjustified.
They sought a court declaration confirming that the judgment, linked to several earlier suits (W/146/1972, W/89/1973, and W/130/1972), had become inoperative.
They also requested an order directing Chevron to cease compensation payments based on the expired judgment.
Justice Nganjiwa ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, granting a perpetual injunction restraining Chevron from assessing, determining, or making further compensation payments based on the 1982 judgment.
The court found that the original judgment had served its purpose and that continued payments were no longer legally justified.
The key court declarations in the 72-page judgement obtained by our correspondent, included: “The Consent Judgement of 12 March 1982 had lapsed due to the fulfilment of its terms and purpose.
“Chevron was no longer legally obligated to pay compensation under the expired judgement.
“Compensation payments were limited to specific lands outlined in the original suits.
“A perpetual injunction was issued preventing Chevron from making further payments based on the expired judgment.”
This ruling brings an end to a long-standing legal dispute over compensation for land use in the region.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in Warri South West following the court ruling.
A Facebook group, Warri Advocacy Group, issued a statement condemning an alleged 48-hour eviction ultimatum reportedly given to Itsekiris in Abiteye Community.
The group alleged that certain individuals demanded that Itsekiris working at the Abiteye flow station either identify as Ijaws or vacate the area.
It also claimed that Deghele and Bateren communities were being pressured to pay rent to a specific individual based on a purported court judgment.
In response, the Itsekiri Defence Council (IDC) led by one Gen. Iwedundun Akpakpa, asserted that Abiteye and its surrounding lands, including Deghele and Bateren, belong to the Itsekiri people.
They stated that the Itsekiris originally leased the Abiteye flow station to Gulf Oil in the 1990s and vowed to protect their ancestral land.
The IDC warned of possible repercussions if threats against the Itsekiri people persisted.
It called on both the Delta State and Federal Governments to intervene, cautioning against actions that could lead to unrest in the region.
As tensions rise, community leaders and stakeholders have urged restraint, calling for peaceful dialogue to resolve the dispute.
Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation.
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