The people of Opuoma community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State have pleaded with an oil firm, Addax Petroleum Development Company Limited (APDC), to fulfil the demand of their late traditional ruler, Eze Igwe Nnowu Eso Ikenyiri, as it relates to payments and other benefits meant for the community.
The community, in a letter addressed to the APDC managing director dated October 15, 2023 in Port Harcourt, said the company had not paid for its oil pipeline land rentals since 2003.
The letter, which was signed by the acting paramount ruler of the community, Prince Kingsley Eso Ikenyiri, said fulfilling the late monarch’s demand would be in the interest of justice.
It reads in part: “I, Prince Kingsley Friday Eso Ikenyiri, the acting paramount ruler of Opuoma autonomous community, the acting head of Umu Iyasara Attah town, as well as the acting head of Ekperinwa Royal House, founder of Opuoma community, on behalf of my humble self and the entire food people of Opuoma autonomous community, use this medium to humbly bring the about subject matter to your notice and immediate action.
“Sir, I urge to use your good offices to effect our over-lingering, accumulated oil pipeline land rental payments from 2003 till date, among other outstanding and current communal payments/benefits through legitimate channels, as directed by the immediate-past, yet-to-be buried Eze Nwadiala, Paramount Ruler of Opuoma autonomous community, Eze Igwe Nnowu Eso Ikenyiri, which I have ratified, in the interest of justice, which is a panacea for our supposed harmonious relationship with the company under reference, please.”