In a historic and symbolic gesture marking this year’s Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several iconic Nigerians—both living and posthumously—including Kudirat Abiola, Professor Wole Soyinka, and the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
The announcement was made during the official Democracy Day celebration held in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. The event reflected not just a tribute to democratic resilience but a moment of national reflection, healing, and recognition of those who have made profound sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Leading the list of honourees is Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who was assassinated in 1996 for her vocal advocacy following her husband’s incarceration after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. She was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—the second-highest honour in the country—marking the first time a female pro-democracy martyr has received such recognition.
Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) for his enduring contributions to literature, civil rights, and democracy advocacy. Soyinka has for decades been one of Nigeria’s most respected voices for freedom and justice.
In another poignant move, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the late Ogoni environmentalist and writer who was executed under military rule in 1995, was posthumously honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). His award was widely welcomed by human rights groups and seen as a significant step in acknowledging environmental justice in Nigeria.
Other recipients of national honours include:
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Chief Gani Fawehinmi (posthumous) – GCON, for his lifelong dedication to legal activism and democratic rights
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Chief Frank Kokori – Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), for his role in the June 12 struggle and labour leadership
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Beko Ransome-Kuti (posthumous) – Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), for his consistent human rights advocacy
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Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd) – CFR, for his principled stance during the June 12 crisis
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Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello – OFR, for preserving the legacy of her parents and promoting democracy globally
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Femi Falana, SAN – OFR, for legal activism and commitment to civil liberties
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Joe Okei-Odumakin – Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), for grassroots democracy and gender rights advocacy
President Tinubu, in his address, noted that the awards are meant to right historical wrongs and recognize the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. “This is not just a ceremonial event—it is a solemn moment of truth and justice,” Tinubu declared. “These honourees represent the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that have brought Nigeria to where we are today.”
The decision to honour these individuals—especially those previously ignored or marginalized in official narratives—has drawn praise from civil society, political observers, and international democracy advocates. It is being seen as a gesture of reconciliation and a reaffirmation of the significance of June 12 as Nigeria’s true Democracy Day.
The awards come as Nigeria continues to grapple with democratic challenges, but the honours serve as a timely reminder of the cost of freedom and the need to uphold the ideals for which these icons stood.
Full List Below!
- Kudirat Abiola – CFR
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
- Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR
- Bagauda Kaltho – OON
- Chima Ubani – OON
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti – CON
- Alao Aka Bashorun – CON
- Chief Frank Kokori – CON
- Emma Ezeazu – OON
- Bamidele Aturu – OON
- Fredrick Fasehun – CON
- Prof. Festus Iyayi – CON
- Dr. John Yima Sen – OON
- Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
- Dr. Edwin Madunagu – CON
- Dr. Alex Ibru – CON
- Chief Bola Ige – CFR
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR
- Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
- Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
- Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON
- Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON
- Kunle Ajibade – OON
- Nosa Igiebor – OON
- Dapo Olorunyomi – OON
- Bayo Onanuga – CON
- Ayo Obe – OON
- Dare Babarinsa – CON
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
- Senator Shehu Sani – CON
- Governor Uba Sani – CON
- Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
- Prof. Shafideen Amuwo – CON
- Barrister Luke Aghanenu – OON
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON
- Hon. Labaran Maku – OON
- Dr. Tunji Alausa – CON
- Mr Nick Dazang – OON
- Hon Abdul Oroh – OON
- Odia Ofeimun – CON
- Seye Kehinde – OON
- Barrister Felix Morka – CON
- Barrister Ledum Mitee – CON
- Hon. Olawale Osun – CON
- Dr. Amos Akingba – CON
- Prof. Segun Gbadegesin – CON
- Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
- Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
- Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
- Senator Ame Ebute – CFR
- Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON
- Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON
- Saturday Dobee – OON
- Nordu Eawo – OON
- Daniel Gbooko – OON
- Paul Levera – OON
- Felix Nuate – OON
- Baribor Bera – OON
- Barinem Kiobel – OON
- John Kpuine – OON
President Tinubu also said this
“I will also be invoking my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant a full pardon to these national heroes, along with others whose names will be announced later in consultation with the National Council of State,” the President added.
