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Chairman of the Gelegele Executive Council, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, has said that the Edo State Government has taken steps to look into the community’s complaints after the protest that took place on June 13.

The community had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, Edo State Government, and oil companies operating in the community over alleged neglect.

During the protest in the community, the indigene warned that if the governments fail to address their basic needs, which they said included motorable roads, hospitals, and schools, they would have no option but to shut down the operation of oil companies in their community.

According to Olu-Derimon, the state government has responded by inspecting the school and commissioning the construction of a road leading to the community.


He said, “After the protest and the ultimatum we gave the state government, a lot of security agents reached out and talked to us.

The state government through its agency came to inspect the school we told them needed repair. The officials who came, told us that their budget for the year has been exhausted and promised that it will be captured in the supplementary budget.

“They said that they will send people to come and evaluate and see what they can do about the school and also send teachers to the school.

They have also approved the construction of some kilometers of along the Ikpako and Ekhewuan Road.”

Derimon also said that the elders have urged the residents to exercise patience on other demands as government has commenced effort to renovate the school and construct a road leading to the community.

He also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to establish the Edo State Waterways Agency to take advantage of the Ministry of Blue Economy to fast track development of the riverine communities.