Allegations of oil bunkering against Olu of Warri baseless and malicious — Erewa
Chief Godday Oritsewino Erewa, a respected leader from the Etikan Kingdom in Ondo State and the Oritsuwa of Warri Kingdom, has dismissed allegations linking the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to oil pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta as baseless and malicious.
In a statement, Erewa, who also serves as Chairman of Psychometric Recruitment and Professional Training Institute, urged the public to disregard the false claims, describing them as deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputation of a monarch committed to peace and development.
“These allegations are entirely unfounded and driven by misinformation and ulterior motives,” Erewa stated. He condemned the claims as fabricated lies designed to discredit a leader who has been at the forefront of promoting peace, security, and socioeconomic development in the Niger Delta.
Erewa expressed concern that such false narratives could cause reputational damage and escalate ethnic tensions. He emphasized that the Olu of Warri’s reign has been marked by initiatives that foster stability, attract investments, and protect public assets, including critical oil infrastructure.
“Rather than being linked to illegal activities, the Olu of Warri has championed efforts against criminality and insecurity, working alongside government agencies and industry stakeholders to protect national assets,” Erewa affirmed.
Highlighting the monarch’s achievements, Erewa noted that Ogiame Atuwatse III has fostered development projects, created job opportunities for the youth, and attracted local and international investments to the region. The Olu’s leadership has transformed the Warri Kingdom into a hub of industrial and commercial activities, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
As a security consultant and specialist in pipeline protection, Erewa praised the Olu’s efforts in building strong partnerships between traditional leadership, government agencies, and oil companies, thereby strengthening security measures and fostering economic activities.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals, driven by selfish interests, are attempting to discredit him with baseless accusations. The Olu of Warri is a champion of development, not destruction,” Erewa said.
He called on Nigerians to thoroughly scrutinize such false claims and recognize the monarch’s dedication to national development. “The Olu’s integrity, wisdom, and progressive leadership have been pivotal to the growth and prosperity of his people. Instead of spreading false narratives, we should focus on collaboration and nation-building.”
Erewa urged the people of Warri and the Niger Delta to stand firmly with their monarch, dismissing the allegations as distractions from the monarch’s remarkable contributions to his kingdom and the nation at large. “History will continue to celebrate his impact and visionary leadership,” Erewa concluded.
