The communities of Elepa, Nembe, and Egweama in Bayelsa State have officially accepted a peace initiative brokered by the state government over the ownership dispute surrounding the oil-rich Elepa 1 and 2 oilfields.
The oilfields, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (formerly SHELL), have long been the subject of a heated legal and communal ownership battle involving host communities in Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held Thursday at the Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, unveiled the resolution terms based on the recommendations of the Irorodamie Komonibo-led mediation committee. The government-endorsed formula allocates 40% of all royalties, job slots, and contract opportunities from Renaissance Africa Energy Company to Elepa community, while Egweama and Nembe will each receive 30%.
The Deputy Governor further announced that contractors currently engaged by the oil company under its Free To Operate (FTO) system for the supply of tug boats, swamp buggies, and crew boats will now merge operations under a single contract, with profits shared in line with the agreed formula.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that the government’s position was driven by the urgent need to secure lasting peace, ensure fairness, and foster development in the area. He appealed to community leaders to sensitize their youths and maintain calm as the case continues at the Court of Appeal.
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“We have carefully reviewed the report submitted by the committee chaired by our Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo. As a responsible government, we are adopting the recommendations to forestall further crises,” he said. “Pending the court’s final decision, Elepa will get 40%, and Egweama and Nembe will receive 30% each. This decision is in the best interest of all parties involved.”
In their respective remarks, community leaders including the Chairman of the Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Bright Ereware-Igbeta; the Paramount Ruler of Elepa, Chief Gelegukuma Apiri; and the CDC Chairman of Egweama, Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha, all expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its role in diffusing tensions and preventing a possible escalation.
The leaders affirmed their commitment to the peace pact, noting that while disagreements persist, “there’s no price too high to pay for peace and stability.”
The meeting climaxed with the official signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Bayelsa State Government, represented by the Deputy Governor, and representatives of the three communities, a symbolic move many believe marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation, shared prosperity, and peaceful coexistence in Bayelsa’s oil-producing regions.
