Controversy has erupted within the Isoko advocacy space following claims by the Isoko Renaissance Group (IRG) that an open letter published in a national daily under its name was forged.
In a rebuttal issued by its Publicity Secretary, Aghogho Oletu, the group said it had no knowledge of the letter and does not recognise the individuals who signed it as leaders or members of the organisation.
The statement described the authors as impostors and declared that their actions were intended to mislead the public and undermine IRG’s longstanding credibility since its establishment in 2020.
IRG maintained that its membership is strictly regulated and composed only of individuals of proven integrity.
It challenged the public to cross-check its past publications to confirm that the names listed in the controversial letter had never been associated with the group.
The organisation further alleged that one of the self-acclaimed leaders had previously faced prosecution in connection with illegal oil activities, raising questions about the motives behind the publication.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and development in Isoko nation, IRG warned that it would not allow its name to be used as a shield for what it termed “dark interests.”