The Death of Ken Saro-Wiwa: Its Moral Implications on Nigeria

Abstract

This study is centered on the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa and its moral implications on Nigeria. The study adopts both the philosophical and sociological approaches. Findings from the study revealed that Ken Saro-Wiwa was outspoken among a group of nine activists from Ogoni of Niger Delta region of Nigeria; popularly called ‘the Ogoni Nine’ who were executed by hanging in 1995 by the military government of General Sani Abacha. Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni activists were arrested, detailed and charged by a ‘Kangaroo’ court with murder and conspiracy to murder of four prominent Ogoni men who were allegedly brutally murdered by a Mob on the 21st May, 1994 at Giokoo in Gokana Local Government Areas of Ogoni. Ken Saro-Wiwa, an author, playwright, MOSOP spokesman was viewed by different people in different ways. For some people he was a freedom fighter, an ethical egoist, a utilitarian, an existentialist, while to others, he was a controversial figure. The ideas which Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine other Ogonis died for include justices, equity and freedom of all Nigerians. These ideas found expression in the Ogoni Bill of Right (OBR) and many of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s write ups, epistles and books. The death of the nine Ogoni activists was pathetic, brutal, sorrowful, unjust, sacrificial and motivating in nature. By implications the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other nine Ogoni activists have raised consciousness among minority people of Nigeria over their fundamental human rights and increase agitations for resources control and true federalism amongst others.