By Our Correspondent
Youth representatives from the Ogoni community have once again demanded the immediate release of the memorial bus dedicated to environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, saying its continued detention at Lagos Port is a symbol of unaddressed injustice.
The bus, a sculptural artwork created in memory of Saro-Wiwa and his eight co-activists, was shipped into Nigeria in September 2015 but was impounded by the Nigeria Customs Service because of its political significance.
Despite a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lagos ordering its release and a recommendation from the National Assembly to the same effect, the bus remains in custody. Ogoni youth groups argue that the bus is both a memorial and an educational tool, reminding Nigerians of Saro-Wiwa’s struggle for environmental justice and the rights of marginalized communities in the Niger Delta.
In a recent statement, the youth coalition called on the federal government and customs authorities to comply with court orders, warning that the continued impoundment undermines public trust and hinders reconciliation. They demanded the immediate release of the bus, recognition of the injustices suffered by Saro-Wiwa and his co-activists, and a commitment to follow through on legislative and judicial directives.
The youth emphasized that the bus is more than an object; it is a symbol of their heritage and a testament to their fight for justice. “The bus represents our history, our struggle, and our demand for accountability. Keeping it locked away only prolongs the pain of our people,” one youth leader said.
While the Tinubu administration has publicly acknowledged Saro-Wiwa’s legacy, civil society organizations have criticized these gestures as insufficient without concrete action, particularly regarding the release of the memorial bus. Environmental and human rights activists also note that the impoundment reflects broader issues of bureaucratic delay and neglect of the Niger Delta communities’ concerns.
The Ogoni youth have stressed the urgency of the matter, calling on the government to act swiftly to prevent further unrest and ensure justice is served. They urged the authorities to consider that releasing the bus would not only honor Saro-Wiwa’s memory but also strengthen trust between the federal government and the Ogoni people.
