The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has renewed its call for peace, unity, and reconciliation among the Ogoni people as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of the execution of the Ogoni-9 — a group that included the renowned environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
In a statement marking the solemn remembrance of November 10, 1995, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke urged Ogonis to let go of long-standing divisions and work together for the collective progress of Ogoniland and Nigeria.
“It’s time to make peace. We have had a prolonged conflict which has not only divided us but has also been exploited by external forces to frustrate our development goals,” Nsuke said.
He emphasized that unity remains the foundation of the Ogoni struggle, noting that internal discord has done more damage than the actions of multinational oil interests. According to Nsuke, the painful events of that tragic day in 1995 could have been avoided if the Ogoni people had stood together.
“The enemy understood that the only way they could break us was by setting us against each other, and we fell for their trap,” he added. “Today is an opportunity to rethink and make peace. I am ready for that peace, and I urge you all to embrace it.”
Nsuke highlighted that while the Ogoni struggle has gained international recognition, the time has come to transform those symbolic victories into tangible progress that improves the daily lives of the people. He called on Ogonis to channel their energy into productive engagement that ensures their natural resources benefit both the nation and the local communities.
“We must end internal division and focus on ensuring that our God-given resources benefit not only the government but also the Ogoni people,” he said.
The MOSOP leader also paid heartfelt tribute to Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, Nordu Eawo, Dr. Nubari Kiobel, and others who were executed under the General Sani Abacha regime. He expressed gratitude for the international solidarity that shielded many Ogonis from further persecution in the aftermath of the executions.
“We are not alone. The world has shown heartfelt solidarity which shielded our people from the vicious swords of General Sani Abacha,” Nsuke said. “We should never forget that the world still watches to see how we advance our quest for justice.”
As part of the commemoration, MOSOP reiterated its call on the Nigerian government to revisit the controversial trial of the Ogoni-9 and formally repudiate their execution, which remains a dark stain in Nigeria’s human rights history.
The 30th anniversary serves as both a remembrance and a reminder — that peace and unity among the Ogoni people are the surest paths to honoring the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for justice and environmental freedom.