Leaders of Egbema Offshore Communities Call on President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, Security Agencies to Restrain Edmund Doyah Tiemo Before Crisis Erupts
– Comrade Mike JK Tiemo
By Wilson Macaulay
Warri, Delta State – A storm is brewing in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, as the Egbema Offshore Communities, in collaboration with the Egbema Communities Peace Development and Humanitarian Rights Association , have raised an urgent alarm over the activities of Mr. Edmund Doyah Tiemo and his cohorts.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and relevant security agencies, Signed by
Comrade Mike JK Tiemo – Contact Committee Chairman / Community Leader, Mr. Timi David – Community Leader Mr. Oyibo Tony Onis – Community Leader, Mr. Stanley Soroghaye – Community Leader,
Mr. Friday David – Community Leader and Eight other community leaders made available to Daily independent Newspaper , the Egbema Offshore Communities categorically rejected Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s self-proclaimed authority as their representative, warning that his continued interference in community affairs could lead to unrest if not urgently curtailed.
Comrade Mike JK Tiemo, Chairman of the Contact Committee, a well recognized community leader, alongside several other community leaders, accused Edmund Doyah Tiemo of unlawfully imposing himself as the leader of Egbema Offshore Communities an entity they claimed he has no legal or traditional legitimacy to .
The communities asserted that Edmund Doyah Tiemo has usurped their collective decision-making power and is falsely parading himself as their representative without the mandate, consent, or authorization of the people of Egbema Offshore Communities.
“Edmund Doyah Tiemo and his cohorts have unilaterally hijacked our voice and are exercising power over affairs that do not concern him. His self-proclaimed leadership is ultra vires, null, and void,” the petition stated.
The communities emphasized that the only recognized apex authority in Egbema Kingdom remains the Royal Office of the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom, followed by the Egbema Traditional Council of Chiefs, led by Chief David Bubor, the Toripuwei and Tunteriwei of Egbema Kingdom, alongside certified members of the Council of Chiefs.
Legal Battles and Exclusion from Host Community Trust
The Egbema Offshore Communities also highlighted ongoing legal battles against Edmund Doyah Tiemo, revealing that his actions have already resulted in multiple lawsuits. The petition revealed that the Egbema Offshore Communities are currently engaged in litigation at the Federal High Court, Warri in (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/44/2023), as well as another case filed on September 26, 2024, at the High Court of Justice, Warri.
These lawsuits stemmed from Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s refusal to accommodate two Board of Trustees (BOT) nominees from the Egbema Offshore Communities into the Egbema OPUDIS Host Communities Development Trust. The communities argued that this exclusion is discriminatory and further proves that indeed Mr Edmund Doyah Tiemo has no legitimate claim to speak for them concerning the affairs of Egbema Offshore Communities.
They further stressed that Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s group had, in a meeting held on May 9, 2024, with Chevron Nigeria Limited, explicitly declared that the Egbema OPUDIS Host Communities Development Trust, which they control, has no business with Egbema Offshore Communities. Based on this statement, the offshore communities resolved that our share of oil and gas development funds from Chevron will be managed exclusively by ourselves for the development, of the Egbema Communities without the involvement of Edmund Doyah Tiemo who is concerned for Onshore only.
Call for Government and Security Intervention
The Egbema Offshore Communities are calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, and security agencies to urgently intervene and prevent Mr Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s continued activities, which they describe as a deliberate attempt to create tension and unrest.
“We appeal to the government to use its authority to put an end to this misrepresentation before it leads to a full-blown crisis. Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s hidden agenda and autocratic tendencies are a serious threat to the peace and stability we are currently enjoying under Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda,” the petition warned.
The communities stated that if Edmund Doyah Tiemo is not restrained, his actions could lead to chaos, as his continued interference in the affairs of Egbema Offshore Communities is already fueling tensions. The Petitioners
emphasized that their patience is wearing thin and urged the government to act swiftly.
A Call for Development, Not Division
The petitioners expressed concern that Mr Edmund Doyah Tiemo’s interference is derailing efforts to develop Egbema Kingdom. They accused him of consistently causing problems in the community, particularly in matters of traditional leadership and resource allocation.
“Even though he is not a chief, Edmund Doyah Tiemo has been meddling in kingship matters and causing confusion on how to select a credible candidate as the king the kingdom. He wants to be the King Maker even when he knows that he lacks the power to do so.His greed and selfishness are at the heart of many of the crises we have experienced in the installation of a new king ,the statement read.
They urged the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to recognize the difference between the Egbema Offshore Communities and the Egbema Onshore Communities (Egbema OPUDIS), stating that Edmund Doyah Tiemo and his group only represent the Onshore Operations and should not be allowed to interfere in Egbema Offshore communities affairs.
Final Warning and Demand for Immediate Action
In their closing remarks, the petitioners warned that the situation could escalate into conflict if left unaddressed. They reiterated their unwavering stance that Mr Edmund Doyah Tiemo has no representative capacity in Egbema Offshore Communities and should immediately cease all claims to such authority.
“A stitch in time saves nine. We do not want crisis in Egbema Kingdom, but if the government does not act now, something bad may happen. Edmund Doyah Tiemo must be called to order before it is too late,” the petition concluded.
