{"id":4654,"date":"2025-08-14T18:50:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T18:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/chevron-is-not-a-personal-estate-of-the-olu-of-itsekiri-says-rights-group-describes-banners-of-itsekiri-monarch-placed-at-chevrons-gate-illegal\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T18:50:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T18:50:18","slug":"chevron-is-not-a-personal-estate-of-the-olu-of-itsekiri-says-rights-group-describes-banners-of-itsekiri-monarch-placed-at-chevrons-gate-illegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/chevron-is-not-a-personal-estate-of-the-olu-of-itsekiri-says-rights-group-describes-banners-of-itsekiri-monarch-placed-at-chevrons-gate-illegal\/","title":{"rendered":"Chevron Is Not A Personal Estate Of The Olu Of Itsekiri Says Rights Group, Describes Banners Of Itsekiri Monarch Placed At Chevron\u2019s Gate Illegal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Uche Alvin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From: Niger Delta Independent Advocacy
Date: [14\/8\/2025]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION: CHEVRON IS NOT A PERSONAL ESTATE OF THE OLU OF ITSEKIRI<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s lawful removal of his coronation banner raises grave legal, political, and security concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Chevron Has Done Nothing Wrong: So Why Is the Olu of Warri Acting Like Its Owner?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019s removal of an unauthorised banner is a legitimate corporate action to protect brand identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The suggestion that Chevron is answerable to the Olu is false, dangerous and economically destabilising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Is the Olu of Warri the Owner of Chevron or Just Playing to the Gallery?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      By positioning himself as Chevron\u2019s \u201coverlord,\u201d the Olu violates Section 15(2) of the Constitution, which demands that the State and its institutions eschew ethnic bias in economic operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Chevron\u2019s Right to Remove the Banner: Does Chevron Belong to the Olu?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Chevron\u2019s decision to remove the banner is lawful and prudent. Interpreting it as an \u201cinsult\u201d is nothing but a clear act of desperation by the Olu to insert himself into corporate matters for political mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Ocean Marine and Pipeline Infrastructure : Where Are Your Achievements, Olu?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          The Olu\u2019s name is tied to Ocean Marine Security Ltd and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, both holders of multi-billion naira oil security contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Where are the performance reports under the Public Procurement Act (2007)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Where are the records of reduced oil theft in their operational zones?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Where are the employment records for Niger Delta youths?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Instead of seeking relevance by hijacking Chevron\u2019s brand, the Olu should publicly account for his own companies\u2019 work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Stop Using Chevron\u2019s Name: Go Put Your Banner in Your Own Companies!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            The Criminal Code Act (Section 342) and Trade Marks Act (CAP T13 LFN 2004) both criminalise misrepresentation of corporate identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If the Olu seeks publicity, he should use his Ocean Marine facilities, not a multinational company\u2019s premises, to parade his influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. From Oil Politics to Corporate Hijack: Olu\u2019s Desperation Knows No Bounds<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Today, the same political opportunism is being dressed as \u201ccorporate oversight,\u201d risking renewed ethnic tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. If You Own Chevron, Show Us the Documents: If Not, Leave Them Out of Your Drama<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Let the Olu produce:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A Certificate of Occupancy over Chevron premises,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A corporate shareholding statement, or<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Any acquisition record proving ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Warri Is Not Your Personal Billboard: Brand Your Ocean Marine Instead<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Section 17(1) of the Constitution declares that Nigeria\u2019s social order is founded on freedom, equality and justice. Corporate spaces are not for the exclusive ethnic or personal branding of any monarch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Warri belongs to all its peoples, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and others and cannot be reduced to a single man\u2019s vanity project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  OUR DEMANDS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Investigate the Olu\u2019s Misrepresentations, possible breaches of corporate, criminal and constitutional law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Audit Ocean Marine & Pipeline Infrastructure Contracts, verify performance and compliance with national interest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Public Clarification from Chevron Nigeria Limited, confirm its independence from any traditional ownership claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  4. Security Monitoring. DSS and Police must prevent this corporate dispute from escalating into ethnic unrest.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    FINAL WARNING:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    PEACE IN WARRI IS NON-NEGOTIABLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    We remind the nation of the Warri Crisis (1997\u20132003), 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The Federal Government must act now before history repeats itself under the cover of corporate branding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    SIGNED:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Hon. (Dr) Taowei Clarkson
                    (Chairman)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Chief Bob Timi
                    (Secretary)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Niger Delta Independent Advocacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    CC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    National Security Adviser<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Inspector-General of Police<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Director-General, DSS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Attorney-General of the Federation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Chairman, EFCC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    ECOWAS Commission<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    AU Peace and Security Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS From:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[13],"tags":[1361],"class_list":["post-4654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-chevron-is-not-a-personal-estate-of-the-olu-of-itsekiri-says-rights-group"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1882-1.jpg?fit=955%2C633&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4411,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/14\/group-makes-rebuttal-to-publication-made-by-itsekiri-historical-front-says-the-great-lies-of-warri-will-be-exposed\/","url_meta":{"origin":4654,"position":0},"title":"Group Makes Rebuttal To Publication Made By Itsekiri Historical Front, Says The Great Lies Of Warri Will Be Exposed","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin THE GREAT LIES OF WARRI EXPOSED: A REBUTTAL TO THE DECEITFUL ITSEKIRI HISTORICAL FRONT Issued by: Ijaw Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: July 13, 2025 Let it be made abundantly clear: the Itsekiri Historical Front\u2019s rejoinder dated July 13, 2025, is a glaring act of historical distortion,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0886-1.jpg?fit=244%2C206&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4406,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/14\/just-in-niger-delta-group-condemns-pipeline-repair-contract-awarded-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4654,"position":1},"title":"JUST IN: Niger Delta Group Condemns Pipeline Repair Contract Awarded To Olu Of Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David Prominent Ijaw group under the auspices of Ijaw People's Development Initiative has called on the federal government and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL to terminate pipeline repair contracts of SECTIONAL REPLACEMENT OF 14.4KM WEAK SECTIONS OF TRANS-FORCADOSPIPELINE OPERATIONS which was awarded to the PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0881-1.jpg?fit=863%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0881-1.jpg?fit=863%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0881-1.jpg?fit=863%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0881-1.jpg?fit=863%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4786,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/06\/group-calls-for-correction-of-itsekiri-monarchs-title-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4654,"position":2},"title":"Group Calls For Correction Of Itsekiri Monarch\u2019s Title From \u2018Olu Of Warri\u2019 To Olu Of Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU,GCFR,PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. 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