In a momentous and symbolic gesture marking Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously granted full state pardons and conferred national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Ogoni 9 — environmental and human rights activists executed under the brutal regime of General Sani Abacha in 1995.
The announcement came during President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, a move many are hailing as a long-overdue step toward historical justice and national healing.
> “In the spirit of national reconciliation and in line with our shared commitment to justice and human dignity, I hereby confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), leader of the Ogoni Nine, and his fellow martyrs: Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON),” Tinubu declared.
> “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,” he added.
The Ogoni 9 were renowned for their fierce opposition to the environmental devastation wrought by multinational oil corporations, particularly Shell, in the oil-rich but deeply impoverished Niger Delta. Their conviction and execution after a widely condemned military tribunal sent shockwaves around the world, sparking international outrage and leading to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth.
Their deaths came to symbolize the Nigerian state’s complicity in silencing dissent and prioritizing oil wealth over human lives and environmental justice.
Human rights activist and founder of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, once described the executions as “one of the worst judicial infamies known to man.”
> “The murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis has continued to haunt Nigeria. Ken was a pioneer environmentalist, philosopher, fighter, and prophet who foresaw the environmental and political crises we face today. We’ll never forget,” Sowore said in a 2022 reflection.
Honouring More Heroes of Democracy
President Tinubu’s speech didn’t stop at the Ogoni 9. He also used the occasion to honour a wide array of pro-democracy activists, civil society champions, and courageous journalists — both living and deceased — whose sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
Among the posthumous honourees were:
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR) – former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and political icon
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON) – former NEC Chairman who oversaw the historic June 12, 1993 elections
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON) – human rights legend and healthcare advocate
Alhaja Gambo Sawaba (CON) – pioneering female activist and Northern Nigeria’s voice for women
Chima Ubani (OON), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR) and several others who paid the ultimate price for freedom and justice.
Veteran journalist Sam Amuka Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, was also honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award on the eve of his 90th birthday.
In a powerful reminder that the struggle for democracy is ongoing, Tinubu also recognised several living legends for their enduring contributions to democratic growth, free speech, and national development. These include:
Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON) – Nobel Laureate and global conscience
Femi Falana, SAN (CON) – renowned human rights lawyer
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON) – cleric and outspoken advocate for social justice
Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON) – journalists who risked all to expose the truth during Nigeria’s darkest years
Senator Shehu Sani (CON) – former prisoner of conscience turned lawmaker
Governor Uba Sani (CON) – for his role in human rights advocacy and political resilience.
A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Reconciliation
The conferral of these honours signals a conscious move by the Tinubu administration to confront Nigeria’s painful past and begin the long process of restorative justice.
By recognising these national icons — many of whom suffered persecution, imprisonment, or death — President Tinubu has taken a bold step toward healing historical wounds and reaffirming Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
As the nation reflects on the legacy of these brave individuals, the resounding message is clear: their sacrifices were not in vain. Their names will be etched forever in the annals of Nigeria’s struggle for justice, equity, and environmental sanity.
PIONEER NEWS 