Thirty-one years after the tragic execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his colleagues, the people of Ogoniland have once again gathered to honor their memories and renew calls for justice.
This year’s commemoration expanded to include the Ogoni Four Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, Samuel Orage, and Albert Badey, who were allegedly killed by a mob in Gokana Local Government Area, an incident that preceded the arrest and eventual execution of the Ogoni Nine in 1995.
Across Ogoniland, various groups organised memorial events, including the Gokana Unity Forum, local chiefs, and families of the victims.
They emphasised the urgent need to recover the remains of the Ogoni Four and provide proper burials, a step they say is vital for true reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Gokana Unity Forum, Chris Barigbon said, “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.
”Only then can we lay a foundation for genuine peace and justice. Without truth, reconciliation will remain a mirage.”
The forum criticised MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People) for planning to place wreaths on symbolic graves rather than taking steps to locate the actual remains of the victims, as recommended by the Oputa Panel in 2001.
Barigbon added that this inaction had delayed meaningful reconciliation for decades.
Kenneth Kobani, son of Edward Kobani and former Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed the deep emotional toll on families while highlighting the importance of forgiveness.
According to him, “It has been 31 years since my father and others were brutally murdered in Gokana.
”We could have sought revenge, but we chose forgiveness. True reconciliation must start with truth,” he added.
He also urged stakeholders to stop exploiting the Ogoni struggle for political or financial gain, calling for an honest and transparent resolution.
Memorial activities included visits to the King of Bodo and the homes of the Kobani and Badey families, where participants paid tribute and offered prayers for unity and peace.
Young people in the region also held separate memorials for Ken Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues, praising them as symbols of courage and sacrifice.
They called for the reopening of the case to secure formal court exoneration and the full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
The youth also highlighted continued political marginalization, noting that despite Ogoniland having four local government areas, no Ogoni has ever served as Governor or Deputy Governor of Rivers State since its creation.
For the people of Gokana and Ogoniland, November 10 is not only a day of remembrance but a call to action, a reminder that the fight for justice, inclusion, and recognition continues until all voices are heard and past wrongs are properly addressed.
