Lawsuit not Sabotage: Ogoni Monarch Clears the Air in Oil Resumption Debate

There has been a lot of public debates among households in Ogoniland as to whether it will constitute an act of sabotage should one initiate a legal action against the government over resumption of oil exploration in the area.

The growing debate was sparked by a lawsuit reportedly filed by some Ogoni elites challenging the Federal Government’s proposed programme for oil resumption in the land. This has given the leadership class some concern and the need to enlighten the people.

Hence, the Gbenemene of Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of Khana Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM King Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP, has intervened with an authoritative clarification on the subject.

In a post he made on his official Facebook page on Saturday, May 30, 2026, he revealed what the law views as sabotage in the context of oil operations. He stated succinctly that seeking judicial intervention against the proposed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland does not amount to an act of sabotage under the Nigerian law.

Defining “sabotage” the Monarch specifically quoted a relevant section of the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act of 1975, which states:

“any person who unlawfully and wilfully interferes with, or causes the interruption of, or inability to produce, distribute or procure petroleum products is guilty of sabotage.”

The Royal Father stressed that citizens have the right to seek legal redress whenever they believe due process has not been followed or their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

“Taking someone to court to express how you feel or disagree with something they have done is not an act of sabotaging,” he said.

King Baridam further urged stakeholders and members of the public to avoid making reckless statements capable of inflaming tensions or misrepresenting the intentions of those pursuing lawful means to address their grievances.

By this clarification the traditional ruler implicitly meant to emphasize the option of handling disagreements over the proposed oil resumption in Ogoniland within the framework of the law, as access to the courts remains a fundamental right in a democratic society.