Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to stop further drilling of crude oil in the disputed oil wells between Edo and Delta states until the long-running boundary issue was resolved.

Idahosa made the appeal in Benin, the state capital, on Friday while receiving members of the National Boundary Commission led by its Director-General, Adamu Adaji.

He also urged the Federal Government to freeze the accounts of Delta State-based oil companies operating in the affected areas.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor said the measures were necessary to ensure fairness and justice in the dispute.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the President to stop, or instruct the regulatory agencies to stop, all benefits accruing to Delta State pending when this matter is resolved.

“It is clear that Delta State is playing games with us and with the National Boundary Commission. It is also clear that they do not want this matter resolved, knowing fully well that those assets belong to Edo State.”

Idahosa urged the NBC to thoroughly examine all documents relating to the disputed oil wells before it, with a view to determining their rightful ownership.

Despite what he described as “provocation” from Delta State, he noted that the Orogho and Urhonigbe communities—where the oil rigs are located—had remained peaceful and law-abiding.

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Meanwhile, the NBC Director-General reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to resolving the matter urgently.

He said the team’s visit was necessitated by the need to ensure progress after delays.

“We cannot allow a party to delay the process. There must be an end to it. We have come to a point where we will interface with the two sides, meet some individuals if need be, for clarity, and ensure this issue is resolved once and for all.

“This will be done in accordance with available delineation documents and other standard methods to identify and make recommendations to the Federal Government for adoption,” Adaji said.

Edo and Delta states have been locked in a dispute over several oil rigs, particularly following a recent controversy in which Seplat Energy allegedly ceded six oil wells in the Orogho community of Edo State to Delta.

The Edo State Government said it had begun steps to address the matter, including engaging Delta authorities, interfacing with relevant agencies, and reassuring the Orogho community of its commitment to reclaiming ownership of the disputed assets.

The community has expressed satisfaction with the government’s prompt action, noting that royalties were previously paid to Edo State before Seplat took over operations. (The PUNCH)