Silence of Injustice: Ibaji People Demand Repeal of Oppressive KOSOPADEC Law 2025
Lokoja, Dec. 19, 2025
The people of Ibaji Local Government Area in Kogi State are still reeling from the shock of being stripped of their rightful representation and benefits under the amended Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADEC) Law of July 2025.
This unjust law has sparked widespread outrage and concern among Ibaji stakeholders, who are now demanding immediate action from the Kogi State Government and the State House of Assembly.
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A statement by Ibaji APC Stakeholder, Mr Ogah Mark Okpanachi, onbehalf of the people, made available to journalists on Friday in Lokoja, said the law is depriving the people of Ibaji people of their lawful rights and representation.
Okpanachi demanded immediate action from the Kogi State Government and the State House of Assembly.
He stressed that the statement serves as a reminder to the Kogi State Government and State House of Assembly that the people of Ibaji will no longer be silenced and ignored.
According to him, despite a World Press Conference and an Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting held on September 30, 2025, where the amended law was unanimously rejected, no concrete steps have been taken to address the issue.
He noted that the stakeholders had resolved that the principal KOSOPADEC Law of December 2023, which aligns with equity, inclusivity, and social justice, should be restored.
The amended law, deemed “repugnant, oppressive, and unjust,” should be repealed in its entirety.
The people of Ibaji are frustrated by the silence and inaction of the government and the State House of Assembly.
“They have followed all democratic and lawful channels, only to be met with exclusion and oppression.
“We have written letters, held consultations, addressed the press, and participated in stakeholder meetings as directed.
“Yet, our people continue to be taken for granted, while our loyalty is repaid with exclusion, oppression, and the removal of what rightfully belongs to us as host oil-producing communities,” the statement read.
The stakeholders appealed to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to act in good faith and facilitate the reversal of the amended law.
They also urged the Deputy speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Comfort Eggwaba, to initiate the legislative process to repeal the amendment.
“The people of Ibaji will not be silenced. They demand justice, equality, and fairness.
“It is time for the government to listen and act. Repeal the amended KOSOPADEC Law of July 2025 and restore the principal law of December 2023. The patience of Ibaji is wearing thin.
“We once again urge Governor Ahmed Ododo and the Kogi State House of Assembly to take immediate action and repeal the amended KOSOPADEC Law of July 2025.
“This will ensure the restoration of the principal law of December 2023 as unanimously resolved by Ibaji stakeholders. It’s time to do the right thing,” he said.
End
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 19th 2025)
