The Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers has appointed a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndowa Lale, to head a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to resolve the crisis in the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).
It is a major step towards ending the prolonged division in MOSOP, unifying all factions and restoring stability within the movement.
The Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, by the King of Tai, HRM Samuel L. A. Nnee, who also serves as the Coordinator/Convener of the Supreme Council.
The inauguration followed a leave of court granted the council to amicably resolve all leadership disputes and grievances that have divided MOSOP.
Other members of the Committee were Prof. Joseph Kinane, former Acting Vice Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education; Prof. Friday Barikpe Sigalo, Prof. Clever Gbanador, Archbishop Abel Serebe Vurasi, retired Prelate, Christ Army Church, Nigeria; Pastor Moses D Nsanam; State Overseer, Deeper Life Bible Church, Rivers East; Ven. Saturday T. Nbete; Lady Goda Chu; Chief Keniabaridoo Edoo; Elder Dinebari Augustine Kpuinen, President, MOSOP Diaspora (USA); and Mr. Paul Nwiado, Secretary.
Prof. Lale expressed gratitude to the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers for the confidence reposed in them and called on all stakeholders and aggrieved parties to embrace reconciliation and give peace a chance.
“This is a historic opportunity for healing and for the revival of MOSOP as the voice of the Ogoni people,” he said.
MOSOP has been fragmented since the tenure of Mr. Ledum Mitee as President. The body now has several factions and leaderships. MOSOP championed the Ogoni struggle against environmental degradation, political marginalisation and economic suppression from 1990 to 1994 when it came under state suppression during which many Ogoni leaders and people including Ken Saro-Wiwa were killed.
