ALETO COMMUNITY RESOLVES DIVIDEND DISPUTE, AS KING PHILIP OBELE CALLS FOR PEACE AND UNITY

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By Nwafor Oji Awala 

After months of legal battles that stalled the disbursement of dividends accruing from Indorama Petrochemical Company to host communities, Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has reached a long-awaited resolution.

At a critical stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Aleto, HRM Emere (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, JP, DSSRS, the Oneh-eh Eleme XI, the monarch declared that all court cases and disputes relating to the community’s dividends had been settled. He also announced that disbursement would commence in the coming days.

The meeting, which was attended by key stakeholders from across Aleto, was described as historic for its spirit of reconciliation and commitment to peace. Among those present were: Chief Igwe Aforji Obey, Member representing Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly; Chief Oji Ngofa, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands; Hon. Onorwi Ngofa, former Eleme Council Chairman; Hon. Daniel Jima Chumu, Leader of the Eleme Legislative Assembly; Chief (Mrs.) Ada Gokpa, Aleto/Eleme women chief; as well as Aleto Ministers Forum, youth groups, and other interest blocs.

Speaking to pressmen shortly after the meeting, Hon. Igwe Aforji Obey emphasized that the king’s directive marked a new beginning for Aleto.

“His Majesty, the King of Eleme and Paramount Ruler of Aleto, made it very clear today that all the cases in court and issues relating to dividends accruing to the Aleto people will now be resolved by him and his Council of Chiefs,” Hon. Obey stated.

“The Aleto Council of Chiefs, opinion leaders, stakeholders, youths, and women have all agreed that nobody from Aleto should approach the court on this matter again. The king said all community funds will be resolved in his palace, because this is about community money, and community issues should be handled in a community way.”

He revealed that the prolonged withholding of host communities’ dividends for over a year was caused by internal litigations and Indorama’s decision to suspend payment amid uncertainty.

“All information available to us shows that Indorama has now paid. What delayed it was the legal tussle among our brothers. His Majesty has appealed to all parties to withdraw their cases from court. We have no reason to continue quarrelling over the blessings God has given to us,” Obey added.

He called on all factions to “drop their machetes and embrace peace,” affirming that the king’s word is final on the matter.

“This money belongs to our generation unborn. Nobody owns it alone. Let everyone who has grievances go to the Council; our king has the experience and capacity to resolve all issues,” he concluded.

In his royal address, HRM Emere Philip Obele expressed gratitude to God and the people of Aleto for choosing peace over division.

“I am happy today. The land of Aleto is happy. Our ancestors are happy. God has done a wonderful thing in Aleto community. Aleto has decided to bury every form of acrimony that has divided us,” the monarch declared to a cheering crowd.

“From today, Aleto is united to move forward. Our youths must be united, and our leaders will soon be honoured. We cannot have the caliber of personalities in Aleto and remain backward.”

The king’s message, couched in humility and hope, drew thunderous applause from the crowd gathered in the palace square.

Several Aleto indigenes who spoke with Prime Heritage Magazine commended the leadership of HRM Emere Philip Obele and the unity displayed by all factions.

Barr. Francis Obe Mbie, a prominent member of the community, described the outcome as “a peace path for development.”

“Today, Aleto people met with the king, and all differences concerning the dividends have been resolved. This will further entrench peace and development in our community,” he said. “From the information given to us, the people’s money will come to them in due course, possibly by next week. Everyone is happy—the entire community is filled with joy.”

Dr. Fortune Kenya, another stakeholder, echoed the same sentiment, noting that the gathering marked a turning point for Aleto.

“In life, there are political and traditional misunderstandings. Aleto is not an exception, but what matters is that we have been able to resolve our differences. Kudos to our political giants, our king, and the men of God who upheld Aleto before God daily,” Dr. Kenya said.

The resolution of the lingering Indorama dividend crisis has rekindled optimism among the people of Aleto. With reconciliation achieved and disbursement expected soon, the community looks forward to channeling its collective energy toward development and progress.

© Prime Heritage Magazine | Story by Nwafor Oji Awala
(All rights reserved. Reproduction of this story without permission is prohibited.)

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