The Bane Bue Suanu Lawyers Forum has vehemently rejected the call by the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The Forum, in a press release signed by Lemeah Peekate, Richard Yiibe and Blessing Mina, declared its staunch stance against the said appeal by the traditional rulers to President Bola Tinubu during their visit.

The Forum stated that the call for resumption of oil production in Ogoniland was made by the traditional rulers without proper consultation with the Ogoni people.

The Bane Bue Suanu Lawyers Forum contended that such a decision is premature and disregards the significant environmental and social issues still plaguing the region.

Some traditional rulers under the aegis of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, Rivers State had met with President Tinubu on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, FCT Abuja.

The delegation, which was led by the Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, His Royal Higness, King Samuel Nnee, included the Paramount Ruler of Barako Ancient Community/Mene Bua Yeghe, His Royal Highness, Mene Kadilo Barina Kabari, Paramount Ruler of Sogho Community/Menebua Sogho, His Royal Highness, Mene Frank Nulenam, JP. GbeneAkpara III, and Chief Executive Officer of Geoplex DrillTeq Limited, Wole Ogunsanya, amongst others.

Highlighting the ongoing environmental degradation and pollution in Ogoniland, the lawyers cited the ineffective cleanup efforts by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

They noted that rivers remain polluted, some communities are suffering from gully erosion, and others are facing potential extinction, necessitating resettlement.

The lack of transparency and local involvement in the HYPREP cleanup efforts was also criticized.

Fearing a resurgence of conflict, the Bane Bue Suanu Lawyers Forum emphasized that any decision regarding oil production should be preceded by extensive consultation with the Ogoni people and their leaders.

They argued that the people living in Ogoni, who endure the consequences of oil activities, must be central to any discussions on the matter.

The Forum called on President Tinubu to disregard the traditional rulers’ request, urging him to instead focus on engaging the Ogoni Community to address their long-standing demands, including the actualization of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his associates.

They advocated for a comprehensive dialogue to ensure that any future oil production would be safe and beneficial for both the environment and the Ogoni people.