Your Appointees Cannot Negotiate Fairly With You – Monarch Warns Tinubu, Implores Engagement Traditional Stakeholders in Negotiations

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, King Sir Samuel Lebura Nnee, JP, AmbP, FIIM, ACArb, D.Min, has advised the Federal Government against appointing negotiators to represent the Ogoni people in the renewed dialogue over the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

King Nnee made the remarks on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), led by its President, Barinuazor Emmanuel, at his palace in Kpite Community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

During the visit, the NYCOP leadership appointed King Samuel Nnee, who is also the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, as its Grand Patron in recognition of his track record of excellent service, peace-building efforts, and contributions to sustainable development in Ogoniland.

Speaking after his investiture, the Gbenemene Tai addressed the youths’ representatives regarding oil exploration in Ogoniland, and welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed efforts to reopen discussions on the matter.

He asserted that the process must be inclusive, transparent, and led by legitimate representatives of the people, not by government appointees or political loyalists.

“Government cannot appoint politicians or its employees to negotiate for the Ogoni people. We are the ones closer to our people, and we have their mandate to dialogue on their behalf.”

“Any negotiation that excludes the traditional institution will not reflect the true interest of the people,”

The monarch also expressed his support for the resumption of oil exploration and production in Ogoniland, saying it is a potential catalyst for growth and prosperity.

“I am in full support of oil exploration in Ogoniland because it will bring development to our land.”

“Oil production, when managed transparently and with the people’s interest at heart, can transform our communities, create jobs for our youths, and open up Tai and other parts of Ogoniland to real economic opportunities.”

However, he cautioned that the Federal Government must not undermine the authority of traditional rulers and community stakeholders who have maintained peace and stability in Ogoniland over the years.

“Tai people will appoint those who will negotiate with government on our behalf,” King Nnee stated. “Government should be magnanimous enough to understand that its employees cannot negotiate fairly with it.”

“I am advising our sister local governments — Khana, Gokana, and Eleme — to also take charge and lead their negotiations directly. That is the only way our voices will truly be heard.”

“The Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers is the umbrella body for all traditional institutions in Ogoniland,” he noted.

“We have always been at the forefront of peace and reconciliation. The government must work with us to achieve a lasting solution,” the monarch added.