You’re probably wondering why we chose to start this season talking about General Sani Abacha, the despot who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his mysterious death in 1998. The short answer is this: if we really want to understand what Ken Saro-Wiwa, the protagonist of our story this season, was up against, we have to understand Abacha. 

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? During much of Abacha’s regime, this was the dynamic between Abacha and Saro-Wiwa. But at one point Abacha seemed to give way, to extend an olive branch. In 1994, around two months into his rule, he invited Saro-Wiwa to become Nigeria’s oil minister. What drove Abacha to make this offer? And can you guess Saro-Wiwa’s response?

In this episode, Wale Lawal finds some answers. Learn more at republic.com.ng/podcasts/.

The Republic is currently on an editorial break and show notes will be available on our website by 31 January 2025.