A disagreement has emerged between the Royal Family of Nyokuru Community and the Gbene Yamaabana Dynasty of Nyobe Bangha in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State over statements concerning oil and gas facilities linked to Nigeria Exploration and Production Limited.
The controversy followed a press statement attributed to Engineer Legborsi Yamaabana regarding Shell locations identified as Nyokuru 1 and Nyokuru 2, as well as a proposed gas project in Nyokuru Community.
Reacting to the development, the Gan-Buamene and the entire Royal Family of Nyokuru Community distanced themselves from the statement, insisting that it did not represent the position of the community’s traditional leadership.
In a statement issued by Amb. Chief (Dr.) Edo Keniabarido on behalf of the royal family, the group maintained that only the Gan-Buamene and the Royal Family have the authority to issue official statements on matters affecting Nyokuru Community.
The statement noted that issues relating to oil and gas operations in the area, including those involving NEPL and the proposed gas project, fall strictly under the purview of the traditional authority of the community.
“The statement issued by Engineer Legborsi Yamaabana does not represent the position of the Gan-Buamene and the Royal Family of Nyokuru Community,” the statement read.
The royal family further called on Engineer Yamaabana to immediately withdraw the statement in order to avoid misleading the public and creating confusion about the community’s position.
However, in a swift response, the Gbene Yamaabana Dynasty of Nyobe Bangha Ancient Kingdom reaffirmed its earlier position regarding the visit of a technical team from NEPL to verify physical assets in the area.
In a statement signed by Engineer Legborsi Yamaabana on behalf of the dynasty, the group said it fully aligned with an earlier release issued by his media aide concerning the physical asset verification visit to the Kue Yamaabana Oil Field in Nyobe Bangha and the Nyokuru Gas Well in Nyokuru Community.
The dynasty stated that while it would ordinarily not respond to comments credited to Chief Edo Keniabarido, it deemed it necessary to clarify issues for the sake of public record.
According to the statement, Nyobe Bangha is an autonomous community entirely distinct from Nyokuru Community, stressing that the Kue Yamaabana Oil Field is located within and belongs exclusively to Nyobe Bangha.
The dynasty further explained that the Nyokuru Gas Well is a separate facility situated in Nyokuru Community, noting that both assets are geographically distinct.
It also dismissed references to “Nyokuru 1 and 2” in relation to the oil field located in Nyobe Bangha, stating that no such designation exists regarding the oil field in question.
The statement added that the ownership and location of the Nyobe Bangha Oil Field had long been settled, citing a subsisting court judgment which, according to the dynasty, affirmed the field as the exclusive asset of Nyobe Bangha Community.
Despite the disagreement, the Gbene Yamaabana Dynasty expressed its commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, particularly as discussions continue toward the safe and sustainable resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland.
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