The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has rejected an allegation by Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo that the monarch receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.

The monarch, through his Sole Representative to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, challenged Dokubo to produce documentary evidence to support the claim.

Monarch Demands Documentary Evidence

Dokubo had made the allegation in a video circulating online while defending former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over his involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts.

He questioned why Tompolo had faced criticism over pipeline security arrangements while, according to his allegation, other individuals were receiving much larger sums for similar services.

Dokubo specifically alleged that the Olu of Warri and other individuals were receiving about ₦2.7 trillion annually for pipeline protection. No documentary evidence supporting the figure was presented publicly alongside the allegation.

Olu Of Warri Rejects Allegation

Responding through Edema, the monarch’s representative categorically denied the claim and said allegations of such magnitude should be supported with evidence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of Warri receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is categorically rejected,” Edema said.

He added: “We challenge Mr Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”

‘Attention Should Not Be Confused With Credibility’

Edema also questioned Dokubo’s style of making public allegations, describing his language as categorical and provocative.

“His language is frequently categorical, provocative and insufficiently restrained,” he said.

“That style may command attention, but attention should not be confused with credibility, and forcefulness should not be mistaken for evidence.”

However, the monarch’s representative said Dokubo’s past as a prominent Niger Delta militant should not, on its own, be used to dismiss his claims.

“The temptation should not be to dismiss everything Dokubo says simply because of his militant past. That would be intellectually lazy,” Edema said.

He added that, equally, Dokubo’s reputation should not automatically give credibility to his allegations, stressing that the claims should be assessed based on the evidence presented.

Palace Questions Shift In Dokubo’s Position

The statement also raised questions over what Edema described as a change in Dokubo’s position towards Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to the statement, Dokubo had previously criticised Tompolo over pipeline surveillance arrangements and disputes involving Gbaramatu and Itsekiri interests.

Edema said Dokubo had more recently defended Tompolo while directing allegations at other individuals.

The Olu’s representative noted that a change in position did not, by itself, establish bad faith but said it raised questions about what had changed and what evidence supported Dokubo’s current claims.

Pipeline Surveillance Claims Under Scrutiny

The statement said the allegation deserved attention because pipeline surveillance contracts have significant implications for Nigeria’s oil industry, government revenue, national security and the wider economy.

The contracts have remained a subject of public debate, particularly because of the involvement of private security companies and former Niger Delta militants in protecting oil infrastructure.

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