President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours and granted a presidential pardon to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, known as the “Ogoni Nine,” nearly three decades after their controversial execution by a military regime.
The announcement was made on Thursday during Tinubu’s State of the Nation address at the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, a writer and environmental activist, led the Ogoni Nine, a group of activists who were executed in 1995 under General Sani Abacha’s military government. They were accused of inciting unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta, but their trials and deaths were widely condemned around the world as politically motivated and unjust.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous
national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, all awarded the OON.”
He added, “I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.”
This move marks a major symbolic gesture in recognising the environmental and human rights struggles of the Ogoni people, particularly their opposition to oil-related pollution and marginalisation by multinational companies and the Nigerian state.
The Ogoni Nine’s execution sparked international outrage and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth at the time. Their struggle brought global attention to the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and inspired wider calls for justice and accountability.
By honouring and pardoning them, Tinubu’s administration signals a willingness to reconcile with painful chapters of Nigeria’s past and acknowledge the contributions of those who fought for justice and environmental rights.
The decision is being seen by many as a long-overdue step toward national healing and a recognition of the role the Ogoni Nine played in Nigeria’s democratic and human rights history.
