Members of the Brumuke Sana Family in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have protested over an unresolved compensation dispute involving land used for an oil and gas facility.

The family, supported by community members, held a peaceful protest last week against Renaissance African Energy Company Limited. The company now operates assets formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC).

The protesters accused the company of using their ancestral land without paying what they consider fair compensation. They carried placards calling for payment and recognition of their land rights.

Dispute Over 7,382.805 Square Metres

The dispute concerns about 7,382.805 square metres of land. The Brass Creek Oil and Gas Manifold and Heliport occupies the property.

The facility links the Tunu, Opukushi and Beniseide Flow Stations with the Forcados Terminal in neighbouring Delta State. The family says the land has supported oil operations for years without a settlement of its compensation claim.

Family representatives also alleged that they have not received royalties or other benefits linked to the use of the property.

Family Seeks Government Intervention

Community representatives said they have tried several ways to resolve the dispute. They said they sent petitions to Renaissance Energy, the Bayelsa State Government, the police, the Joint Task Force and other agencies.

Chief Ken Aguna and former community women leader Mrs Butter Felix-Anebi said the petitions have not produced a solution.

The family head, Bonaze Maxwell Brumuke, said the dispute has placed a heavy financial burden on him. The octogenarian has spent years pursuing the matter through petitions and court processes.

According to the family, Julius Berger assessed the land in 1993. They claim that the assessment did not lead to payment of compensation.

Community Leaders Support Land Claim

Traditional leaders from the Peretoru-Gbene Federated Communities have also backed the family’s claim.

Dr Timi Odikeme Okere (Foukeregha IV), the Secretary to the Chiefs Council, Awulu Dumbo, and Chief Edward Ayiba said the community recognises Brumuke as the legitimate owner of the disputed land.

Chief Osadebe Okoun and Chief Tekearede Oyabrade also supported the family’s position.

The community leaders called on Renaissance Energy to meet with the family and address the compensation dispute. They said a settlement would help reduce tension in the oil-producing area.

Land Rights and Infrastructure

The dispute highlights the importance of clear land ownership and fair compensation when companies develop infrastructure on community land.

Land remains a key part of Nigeria’s infrastructure and development system. Oil facilities, roads, housing projects and other developments often depend on access to land.

Clear ownership records can help reduce disputes between landowners, companies and government agencies. Fair compensation can also help communities participate in development without losing their property rights.

For the Brumuke Sana Family, however, the immediate issue remains its claim for compensation over the land occupied by the Brass Creek facility.

As of the time of filing, attempts to obtain a response from Renaissance African Energy Company Limited were unsuccessful.

The family and community leaders are calling for direct talks with the company. They want the long-running dispute resolved through a process that recognises the family’s claim to the land and addresses its compensation concerns.

The case also shows why effective land administration matters to infrastructure development. When ownership and compensation issues remain unresolved, disputes can continue for years and affect both communities and companies operating in the affected areas.

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