Stakeholders of oil-rich Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have said that there is "no parallel executive in Odidi Federated Community" outside the newly inaugurated Amb. Truston Gesikeme Gbenekama-led exco that were sworn in at the heart of Odidi Community on May 13, 2026.

In a press statement signed by the Executive Committee led by Amb. Gbenekama, elders, women and youths of Odidi Community on Tuesday, May 19, 2016, the stakeholders advised the general public to disregard in its entirety any contrary publication from the former administration led by Prince Preye Okrikpa.

According to the stakeholders of Odidi, the former exco's tenure of four years had elapsed and that "No amount of media publication can validate the expired administration of Prince Preye Okrikpa," stressing that the community "operates a family-based leadership structure, and it is therefore unacceptable for individuals with expired mandates to parade themselves as a legitimate executive council," adding that such action "is unfortunate and shameful."

They said that the former exco which is parading itself as a “kangaroo congress include Prince Preye Okrikpa (Former Chairman), John Loukiri (Former Vice Chairman), Clement Numah (Former Secretary), Michael Konkemele (Former Public Relations Officer), alongside a few other former members and youths,” adding that such action "is both misleading and unacceptable."

While accusing Okrikpa as a beneficiary of "no tenure elongation" and that his current actions only amount to desperation, they said, "It is important to remind the public that Prince Preye Okrikpa, before becoming Chairman of Odidi Community, was a strong advocate against tenure elongation. The issue of tenure extension had long been settled in Odidi Community, and he himself benefited from the principle of no tenure extension. His present actions only portray desperation, greed, and a disregard for the established leadership structure of the community," the statement reads.

The stakeholders also alleged that the former chairman's exco was far removed from the realities on ground and has shown no empathy for the people, noting that it is only attempting to use the production of the constitution as an excuse to stay in office, which is unacceptable.. 

"It is equally unfortunate that an administration which spent four years in office without producing a constitution or leaving behind any meaningful achievements is now using the proposed writing of a constitution as a basis for tenure elongation.

"The question remains: why did the past administration fail to produce a constitution during its four-year tenure? Or are they only waking up from slumber after their tenure has expired?" the stakeholders queried.

"Furthermore, it is regrettable that certain individuals chose to issue disclaimers concerning the oil spill currently ravaging Odidi Communities and its environment for over two months, instead of focusing on the plight of the people.

"The current administration, upon assuming office and witnessing the suffering of the people, immediately took proactive steps by calling on the relevant authorities for swift intervention. It is therefore disturbing that some persons would rather engage in unnecessary publications than support efforts aimed at addressing the environmental crisis.

"This attitude further demonstrates that the past administration has little concern for the welfare of the people and the environment. It is widely perceived as a diaspora administration disconnected from the realities facing the people they once governed.

"The Truston Gesikeme Gbenekama-led administration remains fully committed to providing responsible governance, quality leadership, peace, unity, and the overall transformation and development of Odidi Communities," they asserted.

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