President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred national honours on four slain Ogoni leaders, recognizing their sacrifice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle nearly three decades after their execution under late dictator Sani Abacha.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during a meeting with the Ogoni Consultations Committee on Wednesday, Tinubu awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) to Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Badey, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage. The four men were killed in 1994, a tragedy that set the stage for the controversial trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the “Ogoni Nine” the following year.
“May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage, and purpose among us,” Tinubu said, urging the Ogoni people to put decades of division behind them and embrace reconciliation.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in Ogoniland, while expressing optimism about the resumption of oil production in the region. He said the government would “deploy every resource” to ensure that oil exploration translates into shared prosperity for the Ogoni people and Nigeria at large.
Tinubu disclosed that he had directed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to begin immediate engagement with NNPCL, its joint venture partners, and all relevant stakeholders to finalize modalities for restarting operations. He also instructed the minister of environment to ensure pollution remediation and recovery remain central to ongoing dialogue.
“Let us together turn pain into purpose, conflict into cooperation, and transform the wealth beneath Ogoni soil into a blessing for the people and for Nigeria,” he said.
Presenting the Ogoni Consultations Committee’s report, Ribadu confirmed that extensive engagements had been held with local communities, traditional rulers, and the diaspora, describing the process as transformational in restoring hope and trust.
Committee chairman Don Baridam said the report reflects “the collective will of the Ogoni people,” highlighting demands for environmental cleanup, structured participation in oil production, and sustainable development.
The honour for the “Ogoni Four” comes just three months after Tinubu, on Democracy Day, granted a state pardon and national awards to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni Nine, bringing renewed national focus to a struggle that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.
