Chevron Is Not A Personal Estate Of The Olu Of Itsekiri Says Rights Group, Describes Banners Of Itsekiri Monarch Placed At Chevron’s Gate Illegal -

By Uche Alvin

OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

From: Niger Delta Independent Advocacy
Date: [14/8/2025]

INTRODUCTION: CHEVRON IS NOT A PERSONAL ESTATE OF THE OLU OF ITSEKIRI

We are compelled to write in response to the increasingly desperate and destabilising behaviour of the Olu of Warri, whose public tantrum over Chevron Nigeria Limited’s lawful removal of his coronation banner raises grave legal, political, and security concerns.

Let it be made clear: Chevron Nigeria Limited is a multinational company governed by Nigerian law, international corporate regulations and contractual obligations with the Federal Government not a traditional institution under the private ownership of the Olu of Warri or any ethnic group.

By treating Chevron as a personal property and corporate hostage to traditional authority, the Olu is fanning unnecessary ethnic tension in Warri, a region with a painful history of resource-based violence.

Chevron Has Done Nothing Wrong: So Why Is the Olu of Warri Acting Like Its Owner?

Under Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), no private citizen or traditional ruler can claim ownership of corporate property without legal acquisition. Chevron’s removal of an unauthorised banner is a legitimate corporate action to protect brand identity.

The suggestion that Chevron is answerable to the Olu is false, dangerous and economically destabilising.

Is the Olu of Warri the Owner of Chevron or Just Playing to the Gallery?

Chevron is incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020) and regulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) both of which vest operational control in corporate boards, shareholders and the Federal Government, not traditional palaces.

By positioning himself as Chevron’s “overlord,” the Olu violates Section 15(2) of the Constitution, which demands that the State and its institutions eschew ethnic bias in economic operations.

Chevron’s Right to Remove the Banner: Does Chevron Belong to the Olu?

Private property rights under the Constitution and CAMA 2020 allow corporations to control their premises, signage and brand use. Installing a coronation banner without legal agreement is an act of intrusion, not tradition.

Chevron’s decision to remove the banner is lawful and prudent. Interpreting it as an “insult” is nothing but a clear act of desperation by the Olu to insert himself into corporate matters for political mileage.

Ocean Marine and Pipeline Infrastructure : Where Are Your Achievements, Olu?

The Olu’s name is tied to Ocean Marine Security Ltd and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, both holders of multi-billion naira oil security contracts.

Where are the performance reports under the Public Procurement Act (2007)?

Where are the records of reduced oil theft in their operational zones?

Where are the employment records for Niger Delta youths?

Instead of seeking relevance by hijacking Chevron’s brand, the Olu should publicly account for his own companies’ work.

Stop Using Chevron’s Name: Go Put Your Banner in Your Own Companies!

The Criminal Code Act (Section 342) and Trade Marks Act (CAP T13 LFN 2004) both criminalise misrepresentation of corporate identity.

If the Olu seeks publicity, he should use his Ocean Marine facilities, not a multinational company’s premises, to parade his influence.

From Oil Politics to Corporate Hijack: Olu’s Desperation Knows No Bounds

Historical colonial records, such as the 1936 Intelligence Report on the Itsekiri Native Authority show that Itsekiri political dominance in Warri was built on colonial administrative favour, not population or territorial control.

Today, the same political opportunism is being dressed as “corporate oversight,” risking renewed ethnic tension.

If You Own Chevron, Show Us the Documents: If Not, Leave Them Out of Your Drama

Let the Olu produce:

A Certificate of Occupancy over Chevron premises,

A corporate shareholding statement, or

Any acquisition record proving ownership.

Absent this, Olu remains an empty theatre, much like the colonial-era land leases of Dore Numa, which the courts (e.g., Ometa v. Dore Numa, 1926) held did not confer full ownership of Warri lands.

Warri Is Not Your Personal Billboard: Brand Your Ocean Marine Instead

Section 17(1) of the Constitution declares that Nigeria’s social order is founded on freedom, equality and justice. Corporate spaces are not for the exclusive ethnic or personal branding of any monarch.

Warri belongs to all its peoples, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and others and cannot be reduced to a single man’s vanity project.

OUR DEMANDS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Investigate the Olu’s Misrepresentations, possible breaches of corporate, criminal and constitutional law.
Audit Ocean Marine & Pipeline Infrastructure Contracts, verify performance and compliance with national interest.
Public Clarification from Chevron Nigeria Limited, confirm its independence from any traditional ownership claims.
Security Monitoring. DSS and Police must prevent this corporate dispute from escalating into ethnic unrest.

FINAL WARNING:

PEACE IN WARRI IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

We remind the nation of the Warri Crisis (1997–2003), when Itsekiri militias as documented by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International burnt Ijaw and Urhobo communities, killed civilians and disrupted oil operations. That tragedy began with resource disputes inflamed by political arrogance.

The Federal Government must act now before history repeats itself under the cover of corporate branding.

SIGNED:

Hon. (Dr) Taowei Clarkson
(Chairman)

Chief Bob Timi
(Secretary)

Niger Delta Independent Advocacy

CC:

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

National Security Adviser

Inspector-General of Police

Director-General, DSS

Attorney-General of the Federation

Chairman, EFCC