The Ogoni Liberation Initiative has announced it will not commemorate the November 10 anniversary of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other environmental activists who were executed in 1995. The organization cited serious security concerns and threats as the primary reason for this decision.
Security Threats Force Memorial Cancellation
Dr. Fabeke Douglas, President and CEO of Ogoni Liberation Initiative, revealed in a statement from Abuja that the decision stems from numerous threat messages received by the organization. The security situation became particularly concerning after an incident two months ago when over 1,000 individuals gathered for prayers and faced planned attacks involving security personnel from the Bori division.
"Many have inquired about the events we are organizing to commemorate this day," Dr. Fabeke stated. "We wish to inform the public that we will not observe the day to share the ideology of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other fallen heroes with few important diplomatic leaders outside Nigeria."
Call for Presidential Intervention
Meanwhile, John Idamkue, a former delegate of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) at the United Nations, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the longstanding issues affecting the Ogoni people. Idamkue, who served as a trusted aide to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, expressed disappointment that successive Nigerian governments have abandoned the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
In his statement delivered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the environmental public policy consultant lamented the government's failure to address the very issues that Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues sacrificed their lives for.
Historical Injustice and Current Concerns
Dr. Fabeke described the execution of Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists as an unprecedented attack in Africa's and the world's history. He emphasized that the organization continues to await police reports regarding the cause of the September 27, 2025 attack that nearly resulted in loss of lives.
Through personal investigation, Dr. Fabeke discovered that numerous individuals were involved in the events leading to what he called the "manipulated judgment" against Saro-Wiwa and the eight others. He alleged a high-level conspiracy involving evil conspirators from Ogoni who collaborated with those interested solely in exploiting Ogoni resources rather than promoting community development.
The OLI president expressed particular concern about young people being unknowingly recruited into what he termed "this evil circle," enticed by short-term gains that cannot fulfill their destinies.
Organization's Stance and Future Actions
In light of these developments, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative has announced that it will not host any public events until answers are obtained regarding the September 27, 2025 incidents. The organization has advised all members to remain calm and continue praying while trusting in divine intervention for sustainable freedom.
"We have withdrawn from participating in public gatherings related to Ogoni issues until this matter is properly addressed," Dr. Fabeke declared, emphasizing that the traumatic events remain fresh in the collective memory of the Ogoni people.
