Ken Saro-Wiwa’s family demands full judicial review in response to Tinubu’s pardon

The family of late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa has acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon and the conferment of national honours on Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists nearly 30 years after their execution.

In a statement signed by Noo Saro-Wiwa on behalf of the family, the honour was described as a significant gesture that affirms the innocence of the Ogoni Nine, who were executed by Nigeria’s military regime in 1995 following a controversial trial widely condemned as a miscarriage of justice.

“We appreciate the conferment of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on our father and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the other eight Ogoni activists in recognition of their peaceful campaign for environmental justice, political and human rights in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

The family said they believe the presidential pardon and national honours serve as acknowledgement that the executions were wrong and that the activists were unjustly condemned. “In fact, our father and his compatriots were innocent and peaceful activists who drew the attention of the world to the plight of the Ogoni people who suffered environmental devastation due to oil drilling by Shell,” the family said.

While thanking President Tinubu for what they described as “doing the right thing,” the family called for a formal review of the judicial proceedings that led to the executions of the nine activists, a move they say is crucial for national healing and the prevention of future injustices.

“Such a review will heal all wounds and ensure that further miscarriages of justice are not continuously visited on persons protesting their fundamental rights as guaranteed in the Constitution. We believe that this review will lead to a complete exoneration of our heroes,” the statement added.

See Also

Otedola sells shares in Geregu power for N1trn

The other honoured activists include Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbokoo, Paul Levura, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, and Ledum Mitee.

The execution of the Ogoni Nine under the Sani Abacha regime drew international condemnation and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth at the time. The call for a judicial review now raises renewed questions about accountability, justice, and the enduring legacy of the Ogoni struggle.