Tension Brews in Chevron’s Ugborodo Operations Over Replacement of Retiring Ijaw Superintendent

Ugborodo, Delta State – Tensions are mounting within Chevron’s operational base in Ugborodo Community as internal disagreements surface over the replacement of a retiring Ijaw woman who served as Marine Superintendent.

Sources within the facility reveal a growing wave of dissatisfaction among workers, particularly over what some perceive as an emerging push for tribal succession within Chevron’s ranks. The retiring superintendent, a respected Ijaw woman, is reportedly insisting that her replacement must also come from the Ijaw ethnic group, claiming the role as an "Ijaw slot" that should remain within the ethnic fold.

This stance has sparked internal lobbying from other Ijaw staff within Chevron, many of whom are calling on management to honour the outgoing superintendent's wish by appointing one of the senior Ijaw personnel to the position.

However, the development has raised eyebrows among members of the host Ugborodo community—predominantly Itsekiri—who view the move as unprecedented and potentially divisive. Critics argue that allowing such a tribal-based succession could set a controversial precedent, especially within Chevron operations hosted on Itsekiri land.

“This would mark the first time a staff position is being openly claimed as an ethnic entitlement within Chevron’s Ugborodo operations,” a community stakeholder noted. “It will only stand if the Ugborodo people remain silent.”

Chevron management has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but internal sources suggest the company is treading cautiously to avoid deepening ethnic tensions or disrupting operations.

As the situation unfolds, industry watchers and community leaders alike are urging Chevron to ensure that merit, not tribal affiliation, remains the guiding principle in its staffing decisions.