You cannot benefit from our oil and deny us political inclusion, Rivers leaders told

May 27, 2026

By Daniel Abia

Former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, has declared that oil production cannot resume in Ogoniland until issues of political marginalisation and exclusion of the Ogoni people are addressed.

Pyagbara made the remarks during a media parley with journalists in Port Harcourt, accusing the political establishment in Rivers State of sidelining the Ogoni ethnic nationality from the state’s top political leadership despite its contributions to the economy of the state and the country.

The environmental rights advocate, who also serves as Executive Director of the African Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, AFESD, said the Ogoni people could no longer accept a situation where their natural resources continue to benefit others while they remain politically excluded.