Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
(MOSOP USA)
Amplifying the Ogoni struggle for human rights, environmental and social justice
30 years after the Ogoni Nine were executed, Ogoniland still bleeds.
They spoke truth to power — and paid with their lives.
In 2025, the land they fought to protect is still poisoned.
MOSOP USA carries their legacy forward.
MOSOP USA is a nonprofit organization rooted in bringing global attention to the long-standing struggle for justice, self-determination, and environmental restoration in Ogoniland, Nigeria
Founded in 1990 by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, MOSOP was established to resist the environmental degradation caused by oil extraction in the Niger Delta region. In 1995, Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders, now known as the Ogoni Nine, were executed for their peaceful protests against the destructive impact of multinational corporations on their land and community.​
​​
As the United States Chapter of MOSOP, our mission is to honor the legacy of the Ogoni Nine, support the original vision of MOSOP, and raise global awareness of the Ogoni people's fight for environmental, social, and political justice. We continue their work by advocating for accountability, promoting sustainable development in Ogoniland, and advancing the struggle for self-determination and justice in the Niger Delta region.​
Human Rights & Self-Determination
Advocating for the Ogoni people's land, resources, and political voice.
Environmental Justice
Combating oil pollution and ecological degradation in Ogoniland.
Cultural Preservation
Promoting the language, traditions, and identity of the Ogoni people.​
Non-Violent Resistance
Following Ken Saro-Wiwa’s legacy of peaceful protest and global advocacy.
Tired of seeing the environmental pollution and the exploitation of natural resources in his native Ogoniland, Ken Saro-Wiwa founded the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in 1990. Eight other leaders worked alongside him: Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.​
Archaeological and linguistic evidence suggest the Ogoni have inhabited the Niger Delta for more than 500 years. They established an organized social system under which men and women of courage and ability enjoyed special status. Although Ogoniland lay on the slave route from the hinterland to the coastal slave market, there is little evidence of Ogoni people being taken as a slave. When other forms of trade were introduced into the region in the second half of the 19th century, weapons were purchased and wars became the order of the day. After the Berlin Treaty of 1885, Nigeria came under British colonial rule, but it was not until 1901 that British forces arrived in Ogoniland.
Vision
MOSOP USA envisions a world where the Ogoni people’s rights are fully restored, Ogoniland is healed and protected, and the legacy of the Ogoni Nine inspires global movements for justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
Values
MOSOP USA is guided by the core values of the original Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, including justice, peace, environmental protection, empowerment, and accountability.