The Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation and the family of the late Ogoni activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, have firmly denied reports suggesting they had reconciled with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), now operating under the name Renaissance.

In a statement issued on Monday by Dr. Owens Wiwa, the Foundation clarified that a recent tree-planting event, which had been reported as a symbol of reconciliation, was staged without their consent. According to the statement, Zina Saro-Wiwa was misled into attending the event, which was organized by an individual who has since been removed from their position. The trees planted during the ceremony have been removed by the Foundation.

The family stressed that there has been no formal engagement or reconciliation with Shell/Renaissance. They reiterated that the company must be held accountable for environmental destruction in Ogoniland and for the violent acts committed against the Ogoni people by Nigerian military forces during past oil operations.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Hydrocarbon Remediation Program (HYPREP) to clean up the region, the Foundation emphasized that true healing requires political dialogue. They called on the Nigerian government to initiate discussions on the creation of a Bori State, which would allow the Ogoni people greater control over their resources and autonomy in managing their affairs.

“The Ogoni people will not be misled by staged photographs or orchestrated events. Our demand for accountability and self-determination remains unchanged,” the statement concluded.