Environmental degradation and cultural erosion in Ogoniland: A case study of the oil spills in Bodo

• Novel in depth research on the impact of two Oil Spills in Bodo, Ogoniland.
• Explanation that the ‘the environment is man’s first right’ and that the environment should be viewed as the foundation and basis for other rights—such as social, political and economic.
• The visible (environmental degradation) and the invisible (cultural degradation) impact of oil spills on the livelihoods and institutions of Ogoni culture are discussed. The environmental degradation is clearly visible through the creeks and network of swamps; however, what is ‘less visible’ and equally important is the ‘cultural erosion’ of indigenous institutions.
• Contribution to the lack of research on the impact of oil on the culture of marginalized groups. Views and perspectives of key stakeholders in the Bodo community are captured through in depth interviews and focus group discussions. Ethnographic lens is used to shed light on the significant impact of oil through the voices and perspectives of key stakeholders in the Bodo community.
• It is argued that the impact of the oil spills in 2008 have been so severe that they have not only significantly altered the environmental landscape but they also have the potential to alter the ethnographic landscape of Bodo. In recognition of Ken Saro-Wiwa, it is argued that the cultural human rights of marginalized and excluded groups, such as the people of Bodo, must be preserved.

This paper examines the impact of two significant oil spills in the Niger Delta which occurred in 2008. It focuses specifically on the Bodo community in Ogoniland. The paper adheres to Ken Saro-Wiwa’s belief that ‘the environment is man’s first right’ and that the environment should be viewed as the foundation and basis for other rights—such as social, political and economic. The environment is thus regarded as integral to the existence of a community. This novel research sheds light on the impact of the oil spills on the economic, social and cultural institutions through a case study on Bodo. The environmental degradation is clearly visible through the creeks and network of swamps; however, what is ‘less visible’ and equally important is the ‘cultural erosion’ of indigenous institutions. It is argued that the impact of the oil spills in 2008 have been so severe that they have not only significantly altered the environmental landscape but they also have the potential to alter the ethnographic landscape of Bodo. In recognition of Ken Saro-Wiwa, it is argued that the cultural human rights of marginalized and excluded groups, such as the people of Bodo, must be preserved.