The Paramount Ruler of Okutukutu-Epie community in Yenagoa Council area of Bayelsa State, His Royal Highness, Chief Franklin Akintola, has commended Governor Douye Diri for his developmental strides, which have improved the lives of Bayelsans.
HRH Akintola praised Governor Diri for considering Okutukutu community in his development plans, noting that the community has benefited from six internal roads and other projects.
The traditional ruler expressed appreciation for the relocation of the market to a befitting place, which has made business safer and more convenient for traders.
However, Chief Akintola accused Shell Development Company of neglecting Okutukutu community in employment and contract awards, despite ongoing rig work in the area.
He alleged that Shell has a history of divide and rule tactics, pitting communities against each other to carry out oil drilling unhindered.
The Paramount Ruler highlighted a longstanding dispute between Okutukutu and Opolo communities over ownership of nine oil wells, claiming that Okutukutu has produced evidence of ownership.
Chief Akintola claimed that Shell has not carried the community along in its operations, failing to employ community members or provide necessary benefits such as sit-at-home payments and PRO payments.
However, Shell has allegedly refused to abide by the judgment, favouring Opolo community instead.
Chief Akintola cited a 1985 court judgment, known as the Dagogo Jack judgment, which he claimed favoured Opolo community within a confined area marked with pink in exhibit A, saying that Opolo encroached beyond the area the Court gave judgement into the portion of land belonging to Okutukutu community.
The Paramount Ruler expressed frustration over Shell’s alleged neglect, stating that the community has been denied benefits such as employment opportunities and PRO payments, while Opolo community members have been favoured instead.