The people of Kegbara Dere in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have demanded direct representation in ongoing discussions over the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
The community’s Paramount Ruler, Donald Gberesuu, said no decision involving Kegbara Dere’s oil and gas assets should be taken without the participation of its recognised leadership and institutions.
In a statement recently, the community said it supports responsible oil production but insisted that any resumption must include environmental remediation, transparency, community participation, safety and tangible economic benefits.
It called for the immediate inclusion of the monarch and representatives nominated through the community’s legitimate institutions in meetings concerning the oil resumption process.
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The community said its claim to representation was supported by court judgments, including a June 29, 2026 judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Bori, which it said affirmed Gberesuu as the lawful Paramount Ruler.
Beyond representation, Kegbara Dere demanded independent verification and publication of petroleum assets, infrastructure and environmental liabilities linked to the community.
It also asked the Federal Government to review its Engagement Master Plan and Development Blueprint submitted to the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2025.
The plan includes proposals for jobs, local content, infrastructure, healthcare, education and community participation in the petroleum value chain.
The community also demanded compensation for families it said suffered deaths and permanent injuries during the Ogoni struggle.
It warned against unauthorised representation and insisted that oil resumption must not happen without meaningful host-community participation and environmental responsibility.
