Ken Saro-Wiwa: OYAN calls for exoneration of Ogoni Nine, others

By Editor

THE Ogoni Youth Advancement Network (OYAN) has expressed profound gratitude and commendation for the momentous decision by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to posthumously award Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) to late Ken Saro-Wiwa and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) to the eight other members of the Ogoni Nine. This landmark action is further enhanced by the granting of a Presidential Pardon to all nine, alongside the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) to the living martyr and former President of Movement for the Survivor of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Ledum Mitee. This truly historic and symbolic act represents a significant stride towards justice and reconciliation for the Ogoni people and the broader Niger Delta region. The recognition of the Ogoni Nine, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering pursuit of environmental justice and human rights, is a powerful acknowledgement of their enduring legacy.

“We are deeply thankful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this commendable action,” stated Chair of Ogoni Youth Advancement Network, Mr. Ewunee Confidence Dumka. “For decades, the sacrifice of the Ogoni Nine has served as a beacon of resistance against environmental degradation and human rights abuses in the Niger Delta. This posthumous award and pardon not only honours their memory but also validates the justness of their cause and the profound impact of their activism.”

While some prominent Ogoni people wished President Tinubu had exonerated the Ogoni Nine of whatever phantom crimes motivated Gen. Sani Abacha to judicially murder them, Ogoni Youth Advancement Network views this presidential gesture as a critical step in the healing of old wounds and fostering a renewed sense of hope and belonging among the Ogoni people, saying it sends a strong message that the sacrifices made for a better, more just environment and society will not be forgotten.

While celebrating this significant step, OYAN also fervently calls for the complete exoneration of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight members of the Ogoni Nine. A pardon, while appreciated, acknowledges conviction. However, their execution followed a process widely criticized for its lack of due process and fairness. True justice and full reconciliation demand a clear declaration of their innocence, clearing their names completely from the allegations that led to their demise. Exoneration would definitively acknowledge the profound injustices they suffered and truly affirm their legacy as heroes rather than merely pardoned individuals.

Furthermore, for genuine and comprehensive peace and reconciliation in Ogoni land, OYAN respectfully urges the Presidency to also confirm posthumous awards on the Ogoni Four (elites and ehiefs) – those tragically murdered, an event that regrettably led to the judicial killing of the Ogoni Nine. Recognizing the Ogoni Four with national honours would demonstrate a holistic commitment to healing and acknowledging all victims of the past conflicts, paving the way for lasting peace and unity within the Ogoni nation.

Ken Saro-Wiwa

OYAN stated it remains committed to advancing the cause of environmental justice, sustainable development and human rights in the Niger Delta, building upon the foundation laid by these heroes, with Dumka adding, “We believe this act of reconciliation by the Nigerian government, coupled with our call for full exoneration and further recognition, provides a vital impetus for continued dialogue and collaborative efforts towards a truly sustainable and equitable future for the Ogoni land and its people.

“We call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, multinational corporations, and civil society organizations, to leverage this moment of reconciliation to redouble efforts towards the comprehensive clean-up of Ogoniland and the implementation of policies that prevent future environmental injustices.”