The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $300 million earmarked for compensation and infrastructure development in Ogoniland. This fund, part of an out-of-court settlement involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was intended to address the longstanding oil-related grievances in the region.
MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the alleged diversion of the funds by certain Ogoni leaders, in collaboration with influential figures in Rivers State, as a “genocide executed against the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta as a whole.” He emphasized that the misused funds could have significantly improved essential services such as water supply, electricity, roads, and education in Ogoniland.
The Greater Ogoni in Diaspora Organisation (GODO) has also demanded accountability from former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding the alleged diversion of the $300 million. GODO has threatened legal action and international petitions if satisfactory explanations are not provided.
Additionally, a coalition of youth groups and organizations in Ogoniland has called for an investigation into the alleged payment of $900 million by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company for the development of Ogoni communities. They claim that a portion of these funds has been misappropriated, exacerbating the community’s grievances.
Protests have erupted in Ogoniland over the alleged hijacking of the oil resumption process by politicians with vested interests. Demonstrators insist that any plans to resume oil exploration must involve MOSOP and adhere to the Ogoni Development Authority blueprint to ensure that the community’s interests are safeguarded.
Despite previous denials of any compensation payments to Ogoni by oil firms, MOSOP now asserts that there is overwhelming evidence necessitating an investigation into the alleged fund misappropriation. The organization urges President Tinubu to take decisive action to restore trust and ensure that the funds serve their intended purpose of developing Ogoniland. 
