Ken Saro - Johnson 's son says the payout will let families move on with lives . Shell fought the lawsuit until last week , when a federal appellate court ruled that the plaintiffs could sue the company 's Nigerian subsidiary in American courts , overturning a March decision in the company 's favor . Executed environmental activist 's family sued oil company . About half of settlement will go to the people of Ogoni region . People have long complained that Shell was selling oil .
Ken Saro - Johnson 's son says the payout will let families move on with lives . Executed environmental activist 's family sued oil company . About half of settlement will go to the people of Ogoni region . People have long complained that Shell was selling oil .