Ken Saro-Wiwa was unjustly executed on November 10, 1995 -- Photo Credit: Greenpeace
Among the many Nigerian writers who were also activists, Ken Saro-Wiwa is most remembered for his non-violent campaigns against the government and his influential works of fiction which mocked Nigerian society.
Despite his legacy and impact, however, his story is less spoken about today in modern literature, politics and history.
Born October 10, 1941, Saro-Wiwa, as a young boy, displayed interest in writing and was very smart in school, sweeping various awards in History and English all the way to the University. At the time, he was the only student from Ogoniland to attain such height in education and attend the prestigious Government College Umuahia.
After the Nigerian Civil War, Saro-Wiwa became more involved in politics after noticing the harsh treatment and living conditions of lower-income earners and his people in Ogoniland. He also worked as a journalist and TV producer and published his novel, Sozaboy, in 1985 dwelling on the Biafran Civil War.
By 1990, Saro-Wiwa had become well known as an environmental and human rights activist and minority spokesperson. He was imprisoned in 1992 by the military for being actively involved with the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the Unrepresented Nations and People Organization (UNPO), groups with which he organized peaceful marches and demonstrations.
On November 10, 1995, Saro-Wiwa – who predicted his death – and eight other people known as the minority rights activists, were executed by hanging leaving the whole of Nigeria and the world in total shock. The execution was done by the orders of the then President and dictator, Sani Abacha, and went down as the fastest executions in the history of Nigeria.
To remember his legacy, Face2Face Africa shares with you 10 of his most powerful quotes:
The true face of Amenhotep III, the pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt at its zenith…
Derrick Hayes is the founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, one of the fastest-growing businesses in…
After a challenging academic path, Ron Lewis Jr. is on track to graduate with a…
It has emerged that singer Beyoncé made sure Vice President Kamala Harris experienced the magic…
Two months ago, an attacker fatally stabbed 11-year-old Jayden Perkins as he attempted to defend…
Cardi B has spoken for the first time on the guilt she felt canceling her…
A'ja Wilson is one of the top women's basketball players and an athletic hero. Before…
Cur'Dericka Rice has made headlines after receiving nearly $1 million in scholarships from 13 universities.…
Authorities in Florida have brought charges against a woman accused of fatally beating her 4-year-old…
Harris Wolobah, the 14-year-old whose family said he died after suffering complications from eating a…
Authorities in Chamblee, Georgia, have arrested and charged a 28-year-old man who allegedly ejaculated on…
Manika Gamble recently made history as the first Black woman to complete a 155-mile, seven-day…
Meet Tiffany Rose Dean; she is the founder of Hollywood Hair Bar, a $45 million…
Lil Baby's music video shoot was marred by gunshots on Tuesday evening, leading to three…
Micaela Varlack is extremely upset that her daughter's hair was changed without her consent by…