Ondo oil community files N3.4bn suit against Chevron over ‘damage to land’

The descendants of Adeli Oriyomi Awoye in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, have asked a Lagos Federal High Court to order Chevron Nigeria Limited, to pay them a total sum of N3. 451, 970, 000 billion.

They said the amount is general and exemplary damages for alleged breach of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and for loss of earnings occasioned by the loss of their fishing grounds, fishing lines, fishing fences, gears and surface rights to the Chevron’s oil operations.

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The plaintiffs specifically asked the court for an order awarding the sum of N1, 451, 970; 000 billion, as special damages, for loss of earnings occasioned by the loss of their fishing grounds, fishing lines, fishing fences, gears etc and surface rights to Chevron’s oil operations.

It also asked for an order awarding the sum of N500 million against Chevron as compensation to them for Chevron’s breach of their rights under Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) as well as under other statutes and the terms of the applicable Oil Mining Lease as it relates to the killing or displacement of their object of veneration namely; Aghon Erin Adeli.

The plaintiffs, in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1815/2020, are Elisha Omomowo, Abiye Ehinmore, John Omomowo, Benson Omomowo, Omotola Omomowo, Eyisogo Omomowo and Shiloh Ebun Omomowo, suing for themselves and as descendants Of Adeli Oriyomi Awoye of Awoye, llaje LGA, Ondo State.

Joined as Chevron Nigerian Limited’s co-defendant is Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The plaintiffs, in their endorsement of claims filed before the court through their counsel, Mr Ige Asemudara, are also seeking a declaration that Chevron’s entry of their land, Omi Adeli (now known as Oke-Oluwa) in Awoye town of llaje Local Government Area of Ondo State for the purpose of carrying out easy operations in their oil facilities or having easy access to same without prompt payment of adequate compensation is in breach of the plaintiffs’ fundamental human rights guaranteed by Sections 43, 44(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Petroleum Act, other statutes as well as the terms of the applicable Oil Mining lease.