Ogoni community leaders and stakeholders have formally called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the recent reconstitution of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). In an open letter released earlier this week, the Ogoni Chiefs and Elders Forum, Concerned Ogoni Elders Forum, Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, Coalition of Ogoni Youth Leaders, Ogoni Mothers of Charity, and others expressed deep concerns about political interference in the appointment process.
The group highlighted that the reappointment notice for the BoT chair, Dr. Mike Nwielaghi, was mysteriously switched to the name Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah—who had never previously served in that capacity. They see the mislabeling of Deeyah’s name as “reappointment” as evidence of manipulation by political actors, particularly pointing toward individuals aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
>We are deeply concerned that genuine efforts to bring transformation, development, and healing to Ogoniland are repeatedly undermined by petty political interference,” the letter stated, urging that Dr. Nwielaghi’s reappointment be restored to ensure continuity and retain the trust of the Ogoni people.
According to a HYPREP State House press release dated August 11, 2025, the newly appointed BoT includes Emmanuel Nwiikka Deeyah as Chairman, with Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol representing Ogoni communities and stakeholders. Others include Mrs. Dorcas Amos (other Niger Delta communities) and Chief Jide Damazio representing environmental NGOs.
Ogoni leaders argue that Dr. Nwielaghi had delivered strongly on the “Renewed Hope” mandate and earned community confidence—qualifying him as the most suitable candidate to steer HYPREP’s vital environmental remediation efforts. They assert that political tinkering now risks undoing the progress made, and could erode trust and goodwill, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.
Community Trust at Stake: HYPREP’s mission to remediate the environmentally devastated Ogoniland rests heavily on community cooperation. Perceived meddling by political actors threatens to undercut that trust.
Local Leadership vs. Political Patronage: Ogoni stakeholders believe appointments should be based on competence, continuity, and local legitimacy—not political alignment or convenience.
Momentum Matters: Reappointing a trusted leader like Dr. Nwielaghi could maintain project stability and reinforce the administration’s credibility in the eyes of the Ogoni people.
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