Saro-Wiwa, Ken (1941-1995), was a Nigerian writer and environmental activist. He was leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), an organization that campaigns for minority rights.
Saro-Wiwa helped form MOSOP in 1990. He drew the world’s attention to the plight of the Ogoni people of Nigeria and to environmental damage caused by international oil companies in Ogoniland. He became leader of MOSOP in 1993. After four Ogoni men were killed in May 1995, Saro-Wiwa was arrested and accused of inciting violence. A military tribunal pronounced him guilty and condemned him to death. Saro-Wiwa was executed in 1995.
Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa was born in Bori, Ogoniland, now in Rivers State, Nigeria. He studied at the University of Ibadan and taught at the University of Lagos. From 1968 to 1973, he held a number of government posts. As a writer, he achieved success with his novels, children’s books, newspaper columns, and a television comedy series.
