Amadi: Saro-Wiwa Refused Our Legal Defense Before Execution

Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has revealed a compelling detail about the late Ken Saro-Wiwa’s historic trial. During an interview on Arise News, Amadi shared that the iconic environmental activist initially refused to mount a legal defence.

This rare account sheds new light on the early stages of the case under the Abacha regime. Dr. Amadi recalled the moment Ken Saro-Wiwa visited their office with renowned lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Defiance

“He said that we shouldn’t defend him,” Amadi stated, describing the activist’s firm stance. “We had to convince him to go for trial.” This hesitation, according to Amadi, stemmed from Saro-Wiwa’s conviction that the judicial process was already compromised. He believed the military government had predetermined the trial’s outcome.

Despite these reservations, the Ogoni leader eventually agreed to proceed. Amadi highlighted this decision as a powerful demonstration of Saro-Wiwa’s courage. His commitment to the Ogoni cause outweighed his distrust of the system. The legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa continues to resonate decades after his execution.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

A Lasting Legacy

Ken Saro-Wiwa led the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). He mobilized protests against the environmental devastation in the Niger Delta. His execution in 1995 by the military government triggered global condemnation and remains a poignant moment in Nigeria’s history. The story of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s resistance, both in and out of court, continues to inspire human rights advocacy worldwide.