This man died for the Ogoniland clean-up 22 years ago

The outrage that followed the event shows Ken-Saro Wiwa died for a just cause. Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Clinton of the United States and Nelson Mandela condemned the executions. However, unchanged environment conditions in the region may invalidate this assertion.

It is believed that the spirit of Saro Wiwa might still not have got the needed good rest.

Also Read: What you need to know about failure of Ogoniland clean up project 17 months after launch

Who is Ken Saro-Wiwa?

Ken Saro-Wiwa is an Ogoni leader, writer, and environmental activist. He was born on October 10, 1941.

Saro-Wiwa led the famous campaign against oil pollution by major oil companies in his community. The top culprit being the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Saro-Wiwa was the leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP). This movement was the first organized body to campaign for the interest of the Ogoni people (Niger Delta).

His activities exposed the government and oil companies' complicity in environmental degradation of the region.

As his campaign started gaining international attention, the Abacha regime accused Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others for the killing of four Ogoni chiefs who were against MOSOP.

The regime set-up a tribunal and its process were described as fraudulent.

Saro Wiwa and others were hanged on November 10, 1995. And many people believed till date Mr Saro-Wiwa’s was killed for his strong stance in pursuit of the rights of the Ogoni people.

Also Read: The final statement of Ken Saro-Wiwa before his execution in 1995

How the World reacts to the Killing of Saro-Wiwa

In an unexpected manner, all advanced countries criticized the regime for the summary execution of the Ogoni Nine. The then Prime Minister of Britain, Mr John Major, called for Nigeria's expulsion from the Commonwealth of Nations.

"If the Harare principles mean anything, I do not myself see how Nigeria can stay in the Commonwealth until they return to democratic government," Mr John Major expressed.

Following the advice of Major, the Commonwealth of Nations suspended Nigeria from the body for over three years.

The governments of United States of America, Germany and Austria recalled their ambassadors. More so, President Bill Clinton suspended the sale and repair of military goods and services to Nigeria.

The United Nations Security Council and European Council members immediately condemned the action.

"This heinous act offends our values and darkens our hope for democracy in the region," said American Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright.