President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred national honours and granted a presidential pardon to environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders executed in 1995.
In his Democracy Day address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly, President Tinubu described the gesture as part of efforts to “heal old wounds and foster national reconciliation.”
He said the government was officially recognising the sacrifices of the activists, who became symbols of resistance against environmental degradation and political oppression.
Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the eight others — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“These men stood for justice, for the environment, and for the dignity of their people,” Tinubu said. “Today, we correct the injustice of the past.”
Known as the Ogoni Eight, the activists were executed under the regime of General Sani Abacha following a controversial military tribunal that drew international condemnation.
The trial was widely criticised by human rights groups and foreign governments as politically motivated and lacking due process.
Their execution sparked global outrage, leading to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth and increased scrutiny of the country’s human rights record.
President Tinubu also hinted at further clemency actions, stating that additional names will be reviewed in consultation with the National Council of State.
The announcement has been welcomed by civil society organisations and Niger Delta advocates, many of whom have long demanded state recognition for Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues.
