—- Says endorsement is gross misrepresentation

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Mahinland Development Organization and Mahinland Youth Federation have distanced themselves from calls to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on behalf of the interests and traditional integrity of Mahin Kingdom and Ilaje monarchs by Comrade Eniola Friday rejected a publication by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi,
claiming “royal consensus” and “full support” for specific individuals and the decentralization of pipeline surveillance.

Eniola described the claim as “a gross misrepresentation of the facts and an affront to our traditional leadership.”

According to him “The publication does not reflect the views, interests, or official stance of the collective Ilaje traditional rulers or the organized stakeholder groups of Mahinland and the Ilaje nation.

He added that no traditional rulers’ council meeting was convened, nor was any resolution passed to endorse the individuals or agendas mentioned.

“The Ilaje monarchs and other security stakeholders with interest in pipeline surveillance are still in the process of engagement and consultations,” Eniola stated.

He said the names of revered monarchs and leaders were cited without authorization.

“We distance our traditional institutions from any partisan support for the specific contractors or surveillance individuals highlighted in the report.”

Eniola faulted the author’s claim of receiving the “blessings” of the late Oba Lawrence Omowole, former Amapetu of Mahin.

“It is impossible to consult with the deceased. It exposes your cheap smart move. We will not tolerate such a blatant desecration of our sacred throne for political cheap shots or selfish pursuits,” he said.

The groups urged President Bola Tinubu, the NNPCL, and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to disregard the publication, which they said misrepresents their consultative process on centralization or decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract.

“We have our sons and daughters who are experts in pipeline security, who can also be considered for such a lofty project,” Eniola noted.

While reaffirming commitment to protecting oil infrastructure and regional development, the groups stressed that such efforts must be inclusive, transparent, and respectful of established traditional hierarchies with equal distribution of benefits.

“Official positions regarding the Ilaje people and Mahinland will only be communicated through formal, signed statements from authorized traditional councils and stakeholders,” the statement read.

They advised the public to disregard further claims from Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi or Global Egberi Media International on the matter.

“We will not allow the heritage of Mahinland to be used as a tool for misinformation,” they added.