Tinubu Pardons Ogoni 9

Abuja, Nigeria – June 12, 2025

In a historic move aimed at national reconciliation and justice, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a presidential pardon to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni Nine, nearly 30 years after their controversial execution by the Nigerian military regime in 1995.

In a statement delivered during the Democracy Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours on all nine activists, recognizing their struggle for environmental justice and minority rights in the Niger Delta.

“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine, and his fellow travellers, 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),” President Tinubu announced.

“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.

A Landmark Act of Clemency

The announcement marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s human rights and environmental history. The Ogoni Nine were hanged on November 10, 1995, by the then military government under General Sani Abacha, after being convicted in a trial widely condemned by the international community as flawed and politically motivated.

The men had led peaceful protests under the banner of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) against environmental degradation caused by oil extraction activities, particularly by multinational oil giant Shell.

Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer, activist, and television producer, had become the voice of the Ogoni struggle before his execution drew widespread condemnation from governments, human rights groups, and environmental organizations around the world.

Long-Awaited Justice

The decision to grant a posthumous pardon and confer national honours is seen by many as a long-overdue acknowledgement of the injustices suffered by the Ogoni Nine and their communities. Environmental groups and human rights activists have hailed the announcement as a step toward healing historical wounds.

Speaking from Port Harcourt, Ogoni elder and community leader Chief Gani Topba described the move as “a bittersweet but historic gesture,” adding that “the blood of the Ogoni Nine has not been in vain.”

The National Honours conferred include:

• Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for Ken Saro-Wiwa
• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for the remaining eight members

Reactions and Implications

The presidential pardon clears the activists' names officially from any criminal wrongdoing, restoring their legacy and paving the way for possible reparative justice measures.

Analysts believe the pardon may also rekindle national conversations about environmental justice, oil industry accountability, and the government’s responsibility to resource-producing communities.

“This is not just symbolic. It speaks to how Nigeria must begin to address its historical injustices and give voice to people in the margins,” said Dr. Aisha Umar, a political analyst and human rights advocate.

Background

The execution of the Ogoni Nine led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth and strained diplomatic relations with several countries. In 2009, Royal Dutch Shell agreed to a $15.5 million out-of-court settlement with the families of the executed men in a U.S. court, although the company denied any involvement in their deaths.

President Tinubu’s gesture is expected to bring renewed focus to environmental remediation efforts in Ogoniland, following years of delayed cleanup efforts by successive governments and oil companies.

What’s Next?

The President indicated that additional names will be announced “in conjunction with the National Council of State,” suggesting that more pardons may be forthcoming as part of a broader national healing initiative.

For the families of the Ogoni Nine and advocates of justice across Nigeria, today’s announcement is a moment of both solemn remembrance and cautious hope.