Breaking: HRH Henry Binidodogha, the Ovuru I of Ofunama Land, Participates in Senate Ad Hoc Committee Hearing on Oil Theft

 HRH Henry Binidodogha, the Ovuru I of Ofunama Land, Participates in Senate Ad Hoc Committee Hearing on Oil Theft

By Prince Agbedeyi O. D 

Abuja, Nigeria — His Royal Highness, Henry Binidodogha, the Ovuru I of Ofunama Land and also known as Egbema I, joined other traditional rulers from the South-South geopolitical zone at the National Assembly for a critical public hearing organized by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering.

The public hearing, held in Abuja, aimed to uncover the root causes of rampant oil theft and illegal bunkering activities plaguing the Niger Delta region, identify the actors involved, and proffer sustainable solutions to what has become a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy and security.

HRH Binidodogha, a respected voice among Niger Delta traditional institutions, lent his royal presence and moral authority to the proceedings. He was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, which included Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond, a notable youth leader and advocate for transparency in the oil and gas sector.

The session was chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko, who emphasized the urgency of addressing oil theft, stating that billions of naira are lost annually due to unreported and diverted crude oil. “We are here to listen, investigate, and bring solutions,” Senator Nwoko declared. “This issue affects not only the economy but also the peace and sustainability of host communities.”

During the hearing, several memoranda were submitted by stakeholders, including community representatives, civil society groups, and oil industry experts. Among the most explosive revelations was the allegation that some International Oil Companies (IOCs) are complicit in the crisis, failing to report their actual production volumes—a practice that allegedly facilitates underreporting and illicit export of crude.

Traditional rulers present voiced their deep concerns, highlighting the environmental degradation, youth restiveness, and lack of development in oil-producing communities, despite decades of resource extraction. HRH Binidodogha called for greater inclusion of host communities in surveillance and security operations, emphasizing that traditional institutions are well-positioned to partner with government and industry in tackling oil theft.

“The solution must begin with sincerity,” he said. “The people on the ground know where the problems lie. Involving the communities meaningfully is not just an option—it is essential.”

The hearing marked a significant step in fostering transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil industry, with calls for further investigation, stronger regulatory oversight, and community-led participation in the oil value chain.

As the committee continues its work, expectations are high among Niger Delta communities that this effort will not only expose wrongdoers but also lead to policies that promote equity, justice, and sustainable development.