Court Settlement Ends Dispute Over Oloibiri Oil Museum Location

The High Court of Bayelsa State, sitting in the Ogbia Judicial Division in Yenagoa, has put an end to the long-standing dispute over the location of the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre Project.

This follows a consent judgment entered into by the court, based on the terms of settlement reached by the Truth and Reconciliatory Committee of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the feuding communities in Ogbia Kingdom.

The suit, numbered OHC/10/2021, involved several claimants representing the Oloibiri Chiefs’ Council, Elders, Leaders of Thought, and members of Oloibiri Ancient Town in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Attorney General of Bayelsa State.

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In response to the court’s decision, President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, reiterated the commitment of the INC to act as a catalyst for reconciliation, peace-building, unity, and development in Ijaw Land. He expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government, the INC Mediation Committee led by Barr. F Zumugha, and the leadership and people of Otabagi, Otuogidi, Opume, and Oloibiri Communities for their confidence in the INC and their willingness to pursue alternative dispute resolution.

Prof. Okaba further stated that the INC would soon establish an Action Committee to oversee the commencement and completion of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre Project. He emphasized the importance of peace in achieving unity and development, calling on all Ijaw communities and people to prioritize peace in all their endeavors.

The court settlement is seen as a significant step towards peace and development in the region, as it removes any obstacles that may have delayed the commencement of the Project.