The Ijaw Nation Forum (INF), a prominent organisation representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality, has petitioned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for the immediate release of Niger Delta agitator Henry Okah, who has spent 15 years in a South African prison.
Okah, now 60, has been serving a 24-year sentence since 2010 after being convicted under South Africa’s anti-terrorism laws for his alleged role in the October 1, 2010 twin bomb blasts near Eagle Square, Abuja, which killed 12 people and injured many others during Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary.
In a strongly worded petition, the group described Okah’s imprisonment as “unjust and politically motivated,” alleging that his conviction was the result of external political pressure rather than fair judicial consideration. The INF urged President Ramaphosa to demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to human rights and African solidarity by granting Okah his freedom.
“The arrest, trial and imprisonment of Mr. Okah constitute a hostile and unwarranted intervention by South Africa in an armed conflict that unfolded within Nigerian territory,” the petition stated.
The petition, submitted to the South African Presidency by U.S.-based Ijaw activist Kabowei Akamande, was signed by several prominent Niger Delta leaders, including Alfred Diete-Spiff, traditional ruler of Brass and former Rivers State governor, and Felix Tuodolo, a founding member of the Ijaw Youth Council.
The group maintained that Okah was wrongfully arrested by South Africa’s Directorate of Priority Crimes (the Hawks) under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA), arguing that only Interpol had the authority to execute such an arrest.
The INF further alleged that Okah has suffered “extreme psychological and physical torture” during his 15 years in custody, leading to facial deformities, while his family has faced continuous harassment and property losses.
Drawing parallels with South Africa’s own anti-apartheid struggle, the forum criticised the ruling African National Congress (ANC) government for what it described as hypocrisy and betrayal of Africa’s liberation values.
“We find it deeply ironic that an ANC-led government, born out of its own history of armed struggle, would now partake in the repression of the Niger Delta people,” the petition read. “Imagine if the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe had been arrested and prosecuted in another African country for acts committed during the fight against apartheid.”
While the group insisted that it does not condone violence, it defended Okah’s actions as part of the Niger Delta’s broader struggle for environmental justice, equity, and control of its oil resources.
The petition renewed attention to unresolved tensions in Nigeria’s oil-producing region, where agitations for resource control continue to pose challenges to national stability and oil production.
By appealing directly to President Ramaphosa, the Ijaw Nation Forum has reignited debate over the legitimacy of Okah’s conviction and the broader treatment of Niger Delta activists who have long demanded fairer treatment within the Nigerian federation.
Signatories:
The petition was endorsed by more than 100 Ijaw leaders and prominent figures, including:
HRM King Alfred Papapereye Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass
HRM King Oweipa Jones-Ere (JP), Ogboin III, Ogboin Ebe Nana Owei
High Chief Dame Julie Okah-Donli
Felix Tuodolo, PhD, Pioneer President, Ijaw Youth Council (1998–2001)
Udengs Eradiri, President, Ijaw Youth Council (2013–2017)
High Chief Denzil Amagbe Kentebe
Hon. Ebieridei Charles Ambaiowei, Former Acting President, Ijaw National Congress
Alaowei (Dr) Oyeinfie E. Jonjon, President, Ijaw Youth Council (2004–2007)
Ben Amaebi Okoro, Moderator, Ijaw Nation Forum
Prof. Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
Kabowei Akamande
Chief Godbless Ayabakari
Bishop Michael Amamieye
Ms. Ebikienmo Allen
Daniel Wilson
and several others.
The Ijaw leaders concluded by appealing to South Africa’s moral conscience, urging President Ramaphosa to “right a historical wrong” and allow Okah to regain his freedom after what they termed “15 years of unjust incarceration.”