Ijaw Group Petitions Ramaphosa Over Henry Okah’s 15-Year Incarceration, Alleges Injustice and Political Persecution

Ijaw Group Petitions Ramaphosa Over Henry Okah’s 15-Year Incarceration, Alleges Injustice and Political Persecution

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
October 19, 2025

Warri, Nigeria —

The Ijaw Nation Forum (INF), an organisation representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality, has petitioned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to grant freedom to Niger Delta Activist Henry Okah, who has been serving a 24-year prison sentence in South Africa since 2010.

In a detailed petition submitted through Ijaw activist Kabowei Akamande to the South African Presidency, the group described Okah’s incarceration as “unjust, unlawful, and politically motivated.” They accused South African authorities of succumbing to diplomatic pressure from foreign powers and the Nigerian government, which allegedly sought to silence Okah’s voice in the struggle for self-determination, environmental justice, and equity in oil revenue distribution.

⚖️ The Petition’s Core Allegations

According to the petition, Henry Okah’s 24-year sentence under South Africa’s Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) was a gross miscarriage of justice. The INF argued that only Interpol had jurisdiction to arrest him, not the South African Hawks.

They further alleged that the trial failed to meet international judicial standards and that Okah’s detention constituted an unlawful intervention in an internal Nigerian conflict.

“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 INF stated.

The group lamented that in over 15 years behind bars, Okah has suffered extreme physical and psychological torture, resulting in facial deformities, while his family continues to endure harassment and property losses.

🕊️ Call for African Solidarity and Justice

In their appeal, the INF reminded President Ramaphosa of South Africa’s anti-apartheid history, drawing parallels between Okah’s struggle and that of freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela and the Umkhonto we Sizwe movement.

“We find it deeply ironic that an ANC-led government, born out of its own liberation struggle, now partakes in the suppression of the Niger Delta people,” the group declared.

The petition emphasized that while the INF does not endorse violence, it recognizes Okah’s efforts as part of a legitimate movement for equity and justice in Nigeria’s oil-rich region. They called for his “prompt, unconditional and safe release.”

🌍 Signatories to the Petition

Traditional Rulers

  • HRM King Alfred Papapereye Diete-Spiff, CFR, DF, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, Seriya II

  • HRM King Oweipa Jones-Ere (JP), Ogboin III, Ogboin Ebe Nana Owei

  • HRH Diepreye Amadein, Gbayekoko Il of Tamazo

  • Chief Benebragha Suoye, Amakereowei of Ijubudumu

  • Chief Barazi S. David, Agbobu IX of Lobia I

Prominent Leaders & Elders

  • High Chief Dame Julie Okah-Donli

  • High Chief Denzil Amagbe Kentebe

  • Chief Duduku Panyan Dennis

  • Chief Siliwari Frenchpo, Angala Il Lobia 2

  • Chief Johnson S. Akparakpa, Ogbodo IV of Lobia

  • Chief Godbless Ayabakari, Aiti Il of Lobia

  • Hon. Ebieridei Charles Ambaiowei, MNSE, Former Acting President, Ijaw National Congress

Academics & Thought Leaders

  • Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Pioneer President, Ijaw Youth Council (1998–2001)

  • Tonye Clinton Jaja, PhD

  • Prof. Sabella Ogbobode Abidde

  • Alaowei (Dr) Oyeinfie E. Jonjon, President, Ijaw Youth Council (2004–2007)

Activists & Former IYC Presidents

  • Udengs Eradiri, President, IYC (2013–2017)

  • Capt. Albert Oti (Rtd.)

  • DaCosta Ekemuya Adowei

  • Ben Amaebi Okoro, Moderator of Ijaw Nation Forum

  • Kabowei Akamande (Petition Presenter)

Other Signatories (Selected)
Pete Okah, Prince Deinbofa Ere, Daniel Wilson, Bishop Michael Amamieye, Chief Duduku Panyan Dennis, Ebi Preye Okosi, Ms. Ebikienmo Allen, Hon. Tari Nathan, Dr. Godwin Sidi, Ms. Augusta Douglas, Mrs. Tarela Eunice, Flt. Sgt. Angus Ebinimiowei Ekperi (Rtd.), Ms. Blessing Benjamin, and over 100 other committed Ijaw sons and daughters across the world.

🌐 Broader Implications

The petition not only reopens conversations about Henry Okah’s imprisonment but also revives wider debates about the Niger Delta’s fight for justice, resource control, and environmental restoration.

Analysts believe the INF’s move could spark renewed international attention to the plight of political detainees and marginalized voices in the region.

Source: Global Egberi Media International

Tags: #HenryOkah #IjawNationForum #NigerDelta #Ramaphosa #HumanRights #DrOdimientimiAgbedeyi #GlobalEgberiMedia

Facebook Caption:

“Ijaw Group Don Shout Say Henry Okah Don Suffer Too Much! Dem Don Carry Matter Go Meet South African President Ramaphosa Make E Free Am. According to dem, e no get justice since 2010. Read full tori for Global Egberi Media International.”

Author:
✍️ Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
🌐 globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com |

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