Tensions are rising in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, as leaders of the Egbema Offshore Communities, in collaboration with the Egbema Communities Peace Development and Humanitarian Rights Association, have raised concerns over the actions of Mr. Edmund Doyah Tiemo.
In a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and security agencies, the communities firmly rejected Tiemo’s claim to represent them. The document, signed by prominent community leaders, including Comrade Mike JK Tiemo (Contact Committee Chairman), Mr. Timi David, Mr. Oyibo Tony Onis, Mr. Stanley Soroghaye, and Mr. Friday David, warned that Tiemo’s continued interference in their affairs could lead to unrest if not checked.
Allegations of Self-Imposed Leadership
According to Comrade Mike JK Tiemo and other leaders, Edmund Doyah Tiemo has unlawfully positioned himself as the representative of the Egbema Offshore Communities despite lacking legal or traditional legitimacy. They accused him of sidelining the collective decision-making process and falsely presenting himself as their spokesperson without the community’s mandate or approval.
“His self-imposed leadership is illegitimate and unacceptable,” the petition stated. “The only recognized authority in Egbema Kingdom is the Royal Office of the Agadagba, followed by the Egbema Traditional Council of Chiefs, led by Chief David Bubor.”
Legal Disputes and Exclusion from Development Trust
The petitioners revealed that Tiemo’s actions have already led to multiple lawsuits, including a case at the Federal High Court, Warri (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/44/2023) and another filed on September 26, 2024, at the Warri High Court of Justice.
One major point of contention is Tiemo’s alleged refusal to accommodate two Board of Trustees (BOT) nominees from the Egbema Offshore Communities in the Egbema OPUDIS Host Communities Development Trust. The communities argue that this exclusion proves he has no legitimate claim to represent their interests.
They further cited a meeting on May 9, 2024, where Tiemo and his group allegedly informed Chevron Nigeria Limited that the Egbema OPUDIS Trust had no connection with the offshore communities. Based on this, the offshore communities decided to manage their share of oil and gas development funds independently, without Tiemo’s involvement.
Urgent Call for Government and Security Intervention
The petitioners urged Governor Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent Tiemo’s activities from escalating into a full-blown crisis.
“We appeal to the government to intervene before this situation spirals out of control. His actions threaten the peace we currently enjoy under Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda,” they warned.
The communities stressed that their patience is running out, emphasizing that Tiemo’s interference has fueled tensions and could lead to conflict if left unchecked.
Accusations of Meddling in Kingship Matters
The petition also accused Tiemo of disrupting traditional leadership processes, despite not holding a chieftaincy title. They alleged that he has attempted to influence the selection of a new king, a role outside his authority, leading to further division in the kingdom.
“He wants to be a kingmaker even though he has no right to do so. His selfish ambitions are at the root of many of the crises we have faced,” the statement read.
Final Warning and Demand for Immediate Action
The petitioners reiterated their stance that Tiemo has no authority in Egbema Offshore Communities and should cease all claims of representation.
“A stitch in time saves nine. We do not want conflict in Egbema Kingdom, but if the government does not act now, the situation may deteriorate,” they concluded.
