As part of the commemoration of Democracy Day 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, June 12, 2025, granted presidential pardon on environmental activist, late Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers.
The presidential pardon is coming nearly 30 years after their execution under the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
The others granted pardon by the President included 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).
They were also conferred with posthumous national honours.
This was announced by the President while addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day, 2025.
Other notable Nigerians that President Tinubu conferred posthumous national honours on were General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), and Chief Frank Kokori (CON).
Others include, Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
The Ogoni Nine were executed on November 10, 1995, after they were convicted by a Special Military Tribunal over the killing of four pro-government Ogoni chiefs killed during an intra-communal riot in Ogoniland in 1994
The charges against Saro-Wiwa and eight others executed were widely condemned as politically motivated.
