Your Excellency,**
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Subject: Appeal for Holistic Recognition and Honor for the Ogoni 13
Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned human rights groups and civil society organizations from the South-South region, wish to commend your administration’s commitment to the Ogoni cleanup initiative and your planned recognition of the Ogoni 9, including the late Ken Saro-Wiwa. This is a commendable step toward healing and reconciliation in the Ogoni land.
However, we respectfully urge that this recognition also extends to the Ogoni 4, who were brutally murdered during the same period. Honoring only the Ogoni 9 without including the Ogoni 4 would be an incomplete approach that risks reopening wounds and fostering further discord in the region.
The Ogoni 4— Mr. Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orange and Chief Theophilus Orange, were respected and prominent Ogoni sons that were publicly and brutally murdered without cause for holding opposing views to those of the Ogoni 9 and the leadership of that movement. Their tragic deaths and the pain endured by their families deserve equal acknowledgment and reparation.
We propose that this effort to honor the Ogoni 9 be expanded to recognize all 13 victims as the “Ogoni 13.” Such an inclusive gesture would foster genuine healing, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among the Ogoni people. It would demonstrate fairness, justice, and a commitment to addressing the historical grievances of all parties involved.
Additionally, we caution against any moves to exonerate individuals among the Ogoni 9 from the allegations of murder. Such actions may exacerbate tensions and hinder the peacebuilding process. Honoring the Ogoni 13 holistically will provide a foundation for lasting peace and ensure justice for all affected families.
We believe your administration’s leadership in this matter can create a legacy of justice, reconciliation, and unity in the Niger Delta. We urge you to carefully consider this request and adopt a comprehensive approach that honors the Ogoni 13 as a collective effort to heal the past and build a peaceful future for the Ogoni people and Nigeria as a whole.
Thank you for your attention and anticipated action on this important matter.
Signed
Christian Ayibatonye
Chairman
Civil Liberation Front
Dapasisi Oyibo
National Rescue Mission
Comrade Ogoriba Collins Tegar
Chairman
Niger Delta Solidarity Front .
Ayanate West
Leader
Rivers Unity Alliance
and
Coalition secretary
Comrade Christopher Solomon.
Chairman
Defense For Human Rights and Democracy
