(In Nigeria) Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ogoni Nine Granted Posthumous Pardons by President Tinubu on Nigeria’s Democracy Day

 

Ken Saro-Wiwa is drawing widespread attention in Nigeria as, 30 years after his execution, the social rights activist and playwright has been granted a full presidential pardon. On June 12, 2025, marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced posthumous pardons for Saro-Wiwa and eight others, collectively known as the “Ogoni Nine.” This historic gesture aligns with Tinubu’s November 2024 commitment to address historical grievances and foster national reconciliation.

In addition to the pardons, Tinubu conferred posthumous national honors on the Ogoni Nine, recognizing their contributions to social justice. Saro-Wiwa, alongside his eight co-defendants, was tried by a special military tribunal in 1995 for allegedly orchestrating the murder of Ogoni chiefs during a pro-government meeting. The trial, widely criticized as flawed, culminated in their execution by hanging under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. The pardons and honors have sparked renewed discussions about Saro-Wiwa’s legacy as a champion of environmental and minority rights, particularly for the Ogoni people in the Niger Delta.

See also: (In Nigeria) Omah Lay’s “Soso” Surpasses 300 Million Spotify Streams, Becoming Most Streamed Song from Boy Alone Album