Ogoni Oil Resumption: Rivers Community Demands Spiritual Remediation Of ‘Blood-Polluted Land’ As Precondition
In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, the Barako Ancient Community in Ogoniland celebrated the Uula-mii giaa/Lol-Giaa tor, marking the beginning of a new planting season.
The festivities, which took place recently were attended by His Royal Highness, Mene Kadilo Kabari, and his subjects.
During the celebrations, Mene Kabari reaffirmed the community’s demands for spiritual remediation and development as major precondition before resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland.
He emphasized the need for implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which includes the clearing of the names of the Ogoni-4, holistic reconciliation of bereaved families, and exoneration of the Ogoni-9.
The Paramount Ruler also stressed the importance of addressing the spiritual cries for justice, given the bloodshed on Ogoni soil.
He called for proper funeral rites and compensation for all lives lost during the dark days, including that of Keesiop Gboro Aakol, a Barako son.
In addition to spiritual remediation, Mene Kabari demanded resumed development in the Yormene well 13 of the Bomu oil fields, located at Boowaa in Barako Ancient Community.
He also offered the community’s land to host a massive gas-dependent power infrastructure/turbine, leveraging Barako’s abundant gas reserves.
Other demands included the revamping of the community health center and the offer of scholarships to Barako students, as was previously done by SPDC.
The celebrations were marked by a significant short downpour of rain, which is believed to signify spiritual acceptance of the proclamations made. This traditional and highly spiritual rite has been performed in Barako Ancient Community for years, and the community takes pride in hosting the revered GBOORO, described in Gokana folklore as the stream of the Rising Sun.
Ogoni Oil Resumption: Rivers Community Demands Spiritual Remediation Of ‘Blood-Polluted Land’ As Precondition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
