ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has firmly denied holding any meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, distancing itself from claims suggesting otherwise.
In a statement issued on Monday, MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, said neither the organisation’s leadership nor its authorised representatives met with the Osun monarch at any time.
He said any individual or group claiming to have met the Ooni on behalf of MOSOP acted without mandate and did not represent the movement.
“MOSOP wishes to state unequivocally that its leadership is not aware of, nor did it authorise, the said meeting with the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II,” Nsuke said.
The group stressed that although MOSOP remains a mass-based movement open to all Ogoni people, its leadership structure is clearly defined by law.
Nsuke referenced a judgment delivered by the Saakpenwa High Court on February 27, 2025, which restrained Prince Biira, Lazarus Tamana, Letam Nkpoka and Legborsi Saro Pyagbara from presenting themselves as leaders of MOSOP.
READ ALSO MOSOP Leader Pledges Support For NDDC’s Developmental Efforts In Ogoni Region
The court, he added, also nullified any election conducted in the name of MOSOP on January 20 or March 27, 2024, including the purported election of Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu.
While acknowledging public speculation surrounding the reported meeting, MOSOP said it completely disowned the delegation involved and rejected any decisions allegedly reached in Ile-Ife or elsewhere.
“MOSOP disassociates itself from the entire delegation and whatever resolutions they may have reached,” the statement said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing dialogue process being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
It urged the Ogoni people to remain calm and continue supporting the Ribadu-led initiative, describing it as a credible opportunity to address long-standing grievances and work towards lasting peace.
“MOSOP calls on the Ogoni public to remain supportive of its leadership as we continue to chart a path towards development and the liberation of the Ogoni nationality,” the statement added.