Edo Youth Group Demands Probe into Oil Boundary Dispute

The Ugu Youth Development Change (UYDC) has petitioned the federal government over an oil boundary controversy involving the Orogho Community in Edo State. The dispute centers on the ownership and host community status of several oil wells currently operated by Seplat Energy Group.

The controversy dates back to 2012 when Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) transferred assets to Seplat. Prior to the transfer, Shell recognized the Orogho Community as the host of wells discovered in 1994.

The issue escalated when Seplat allegedly attempted to reassign the wells to four neighboring communities in Delta State, which was met with resistance from the Orogho indigenes. A boundary verification exercise conducted by the Edo State Ministry of Land confirmed that the disputed area lies 2.5 kilometers within Orogho land.

The group is calling for the federal government’s intervention and an independent investigation by the National Boundary Commission to resolve the dispute and clarify the boundary status of the Orogho Community.