President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on four Ogoni leaders who were executed during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. The honorees are Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Badey, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage, each awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
These leaders were part of the broader Ogoni struggle against environmental degradation and injustice in the Niger Delta. Their execution in 1995, alongside Ken Saro-Wiwa, remains among Nigeria’s most controversial acts under military rule.
In announcing the honours, President Tinubu described the move as part of his commitment to correcting historical lapses and acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who stood for environmental rights and justice. The honours are seen by many as symbolic recognition of their contributions and legacy in resisting oppression.
Earlier in 2025, Tinubu also pardoned the Ogoni Nine posthumously and conferred honours on them, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, in a move aimed at national reconciliation.
