Soyinka’s call may reignite pressure on the government to confront some of the unresolved tragedies that still haunt Nigeria’s democratic evolution
Investigate Murders of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige — Soyinka Urges Tinubu
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a full investigation into the unresolved murders of prominent Nigerians, including journalist Dele Giwa, democracy activist Kudirat Abiola, and former Attorney General Chief Bola Ige.
Speaking with selected journalists in Lagos on Saturday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, Soyinka stressed the need for closure in these high-profile cases, which he described as “dark stains” on the nation’s democratic journey.
“For the sake of closure, let us investigate how they died. Some Nigerians here and abroad know what happened and can provide clues,” Soyinka said.
His appeal comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly, during which national honours were conferred on key figures of the pro-democracy struggle.
While Soyinka commended the recognition of some heroes, he pointed out several glaring omissions, noting that the awards only represented a portion of those who made sacrifices.
“I am dedicating my honour to the memory of Beko Ransom-Kuti,” Soyinka said, describing the late activist as a “defender of human rights, champion of good governance, and campaigner for democracy” who endured multiple detentions under military rule.
Soyinka also warned against diminishing the significance of the June 12 struggle, emphasizing the high cost many paid to resist military tyranny.
“Let no one treat June 12 lightly. People died, were tortured, imprisoned. That memory must not fade,” he said.
His remarks came just hours after the Presidency denied awarding national honours to rights activist Aisha Yesufu and 35 others, despite widespread speculation following Thursday’s announcement.
Among the 66 awardees honoured at the National Assembly were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former NEC Chairman Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and Kudirat Abiola, who was posthumously recognized for her role in the June 12 movement.
President Tinubu also broke new ground by granting a posthumous state pardon to environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, nearly 30 years after their execution by the Sani Abacha regime.
“I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers,” Tinubu announced.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” he added.
While Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), the other eight were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). This marks the first time a Nigerian president has publicly acknowledged their contributions to democracy and environmental justice.
The Ogoni Nine, who were hanged in 1995 after a trial widely condemned as politically motivated, were activists of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). Their execution drew international outrage and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth.
Honoured alongside Saro-Wiwa were Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
With the renewed focus on national healing and justice, Soyinka’s call may reignite pressure on the government to confront some of the unresolved tragedies that still haunt Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Read More
