By Emma Amaize, Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe

WARRI—OIL-RICH Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, has split into two factions over the management of the town’s affairs.

Some of the villagers believed to have the imprimatur of the spiritual head laid siege to Chevron Nigeria Limited during the week, seeking recognition for the Interim Management Committee, IMC, reportedly constituted by the community, among others.

However, another faction of the community insisted that the only recognised body was the Ogidigben EPZ Interface Committee headed by Mr Austin Oborogbeyi.

The protesting villagers laid siege to Chevron on Wednesday disrupting operations and refusing to vacate the premisis at press time.

Former chairman of Ugborodu Community Trust, Mr. Sandys Omadeli, told Vanguard, yesterday: “The issue in dispute is Chevron’s refusal to recognise the IMC, the collective decision of the community put in place since March, this year  and they are dealing with the factional leaders whose tenure had elapsed.

“This problem has been on for six months and nobody cared to resolve it. The old leaders have the backing of the state government and Chevron is stressing that the IMC must have government backing before it can accord it recognition. I do not know when government has started appointing leaders for communities.

“We were told that DSS officials are trying to pacify the protesters as they were looking into the issue. That is empty talk. The DSS should have been able to advise government on how best to handle the mater in the past six months.”

Youth President, Mr Ofe Nene, who led the protest, corroborated Omadeli’s claim, adding  that Chevron has neglected the community.

However, spokesperson of Ogidigben EPZ Interface Committee, the peace building group currently running the community’s affairs, Mr  Eyengho, said: “What is happening there is the handiwork of a few misled rebels in Ugborodo. They are rebelling against the decision of Delta State Government, the Olu of Warri and Pa JOS Ayomike. They are rebelling against law and order.”

“IMC and the duo who fabricated it, Olajori (Spiritual Head) of Ugborodo, Benson Omadeli and his cousin, Sandys Uvwoh against the will of Ugborodo and the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction is behind this illegality and potentially dangerous protest.”