Kuro family of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom denies Izansa community’s ownership claim over Odube oil field

*urges Matrix Energy to engage legitimate stakeholders

By Philip Onome

The Kuro family (Kuroware) of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom has formally rejected recent claims made by the Izansa community regarding ownership of the Odube Oil Field, urging Matrix Energy Limited to engage the rightful custodians before commencing any operations.

This development follows an online publication attributed to the Izansa community, represented by a purported stakeholder, Mr. Donye David, asserting that the community is the exclusive host and legitimate owner of the Odube oil field.

However, in a pointed rebuttal issued through a statement signed by Chief Elder Gorden Donye and Elder Alex Sobai on behalf of the Kuro family of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom. The community leaders clarified both the proper name of the oil field and the rightful ownership status. The statement emphasized that the oil field is correctly named “Odubu,” not “Odube” as wrongly spelt.

The statement reads in parts; “The attention of the entire Kuro Family (Kuroware) of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom has been drawn to a misleading publication dated Monday, 17th November 2025, by DailyReport.ng, resulting from a false testimony provided by Mr. Donye David, who wrongly claims to be a stakeholder representing the Izansa Community”.

The Kuro family went on to explain the origin of the name “Odube-Iba,” clarifying its linguistic roots and correcting misconceptions. “‘Odube’ translates to ‘sunfly’ while ‘Iba’ means ‘creek.’ This name emerged from the natural environment characterized by swarms of sunflies following deforestation, not from any reference to a ‘Well,’ as some have alleged,” they stated.

Furthermore, the statement pointed out that within the Izon nationality linguistic framework, the term “Well” is known by multiple names—and notably, “Odube” is absent from any recognized lists or common usage among the Izon people of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom. This, they argue, indicates the claim is fabricated and reflects a decline in historical accuracy.

The leadership of the Kuro family also challenged the Izansa community’s broader assertions of ownership, noting that Izansa has no historical or legal affiliation with the Ogbanabou marginal field linked to Odube Oil Field. “Regrettably, motivated by greed and financial interests, certain elements within Izansa have continuously contrived false narratives to bolster their illegitimate ownership claims over the Ogbanabou marginal field,” the statement charged.

The Kuro family urged the Izansa people to reconsider their position, warning of spiritual consequences for persisting in these unfounded claims. They stressed that the late Apribodo, a revered historical figure, had no rightful claim over the lands, forests, or creeks in question, a fact well documented and beyond dispute within the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

Additionally, the dispute has extended into the legal arena, with the Ebiye family of the Kuro lineage currently engaged in court proceedings against the Izansa community over the contested ownership of the Ogbanabou North West Bamiene 1 location. Evidence and land acquisition data from SPDC (West Swamp North) confirm that the Odube Oil Field comprises three sections — Odube Creek, Odube Creek 1, and Odube Creek Revised, with official ownership signed and acknowledged by Diebiri Community and Orufinigbene Community of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

To maintain peace and prevent conflicts, the Kuro family urge Matrix Energy Limited to recognize and engage the appropriate traditional authorities and communities who are the legitimate custodians of the Odube Oil Field. They conclusively dismissed any claim by Izansa Community to the oil field, reiterating: “Izansa Community has no affiliation or relationship whatsoever with the Odube Oil Field.”

This firm stance underscores the importance of respecting established traditional land rights, especially in resource-rich regions where communal ownership is a sensitive and critical issue.