THIRTY-ONE years after the execution of renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his colleagues, the people of Ogoniland have once again gathered to honour their memory — and renew their call for justice.
This year’s remembrance went beyond the Ogoni Nine to highlight the plight of the Ogoni Four — Chief Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, Samuel Orage, and Albert Badey — whose deaths in Gokana Local Government Area preceded the arrest and execution of the activists in 1995.
At various memorials across Ogoniland, including one hosted by the Gokana Unity Forum, the Council of Chiefs, and families of the deceased, community leaders demanded the recovery of the remains of the four men, who were allegedly lynched near the palace of the then Gbemene of Gokana.
They insisted that a dignified burial would bring closure and foster genuine reconciliation in the region.
The Gokana Unity Forum expressed disappointment over what it described as the continued disregard of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) toward meaningful reconciliation.
The group criticised MOSOP’s plan to lay wreaths on symbolic graves instead of working with stakeholders to locate and recover the victims’ real remains — a step that had been recommended by the Oputa Panel in 2001.
“The time has come for the remains of Chief Edward Kobani, Chief T.B. Orage, Chief S.N. Orage, and Chief A.T. Badey to be recovered and returned to their families for a dignified burial,” said Chris Barigbon, speaking for the forum. “Without truth and justice, reconciliation will remain a mirage.”
The forum’s president, Goodluck Gbara-Age, vowed that the younger generation would continue to pursue justice until the truth about the killings is fully uncovered.
Former Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Kenneth Kobani — son of one of the Ogoni Four — also spoke emotionally about forgiveness and the need for honesty in reconciliation efforts.
“It’s been 31 years since my father and others were brutally murdered. We chose forgiveness over revenge, but true reconciliation must start with truth,” he said.
He urged those with knowledge of the victims’ remains to come forward, stressing that “Ogoni wants peace, unity, and progress, not empty caskets.”
Mourners dressed in black held placards, visited the King of Bodo, and paid respects to the families of the victims in Bodo and Gokana, renewing calls for peace and unity.
In a separate event, the National Youth Council of Ogoni People honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues, calling them symbols of courage and sacrifice.
While thanking President Bola Tinubu for ...humous pardon granted earlier this year, they urged the federal government to formally reopen the case for a full legal exoneration and to fully implement the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
The youth also decried political marginalisation, noting that no Ogoni person has ever served as governor or deputy governor of Rivers State since its creation.
For the people of Ogoniland, November 10 remains more than a day of remembrance — it is a continuing call for truth, justice, and inclusion, a reminder that the struggle for equality and recognition endures until every voice is heard.