In a historic move on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers to grant a full presidential pardon to the late environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders, collectively known as the Ogoni Nine.
This decision was announced during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, commemorating Democracy Day.
The Ogoni Nine—Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were executed in 1995 under the regime of General Sani Abacha.
They were accused of involvement in the murder of four Ogoni chiefs, a charge widely regarded as politically motivated. Their deaths sparked international condemnation and highlighted the struggles of the Ogoni people against environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
In his address, President Tinubu described the Ogoni Nine as “national heroes” and emphasized the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices. He stated,
“As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.”
Furthermore, the President conferred posthumous national honors upon the Ogoni Nine. Ken Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the other eight received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
President Tinubu also announced that additional individuals, whose names will be disclosed in collaboration with the National Council of State, will receive similar presidential pardons.
This gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to reconciliation and healing, particularly for communities in the Niger Delta who have long felt marginalized.
The President reiterated his dedication to fostering dialogue and addressing historical grievances as part of building a united and prosperous nation.
