Ogoni-Four
PicNews
President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on four late Ogoni leaders, known as the “Ogoni Four”, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle. The awardees are Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Badey, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage, who were all bestowed with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award.
The honour was announced on September 24, 2025, at the State House in Abuja, during the presentation of the report of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam. Tinubu urged the Ogoni people to embrace unity and reconciliation after decades of division, stressing that their sacrifices should inspire a renewed sense of purpose. “May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage, and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities, and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community with one voice,” he said.
The Ogoni Four were killed in 1994, and their deaths were a significant factor in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the Sani Abacha regime in 1995. The recognition comes nearly 30 years after their deaths and is seen as a strong message of reconciliation to the Ogoni people. Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to commence engagement between the Ogoni people, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting oil production in Ogoniland.
The President also tasked the Minister of Environment to integrate pollution remediation and environmental recovery into the broader framework of dialogue with the people. Tinubu pledged his administration’s support for peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in Ogoniland, confirming plans to facilitate the resumption of oil production in the area. “I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production. The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” he said .
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who led the Ogoni delegation to the ceremony, urged the Ogoni people to embrace reconciliation and dialogue, stressing that the recognition of past heroes was not only symbolic but a foundation for unity and healing. Professor Don Baridam, chair of the Dialogue Committee, described the report as a reflection of the collective will of the Ogoni people and recommended its implementation through an inter-agency task force.
