By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred prestigious posthumous national honours on iconic figures who shaped the nation’s democratic journey.
Announced during an address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on June 12, 2025, to commemorate Democracy Day, the honours celebrate the indomitable spirits of late Chief Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late presumed winner of the 1993 election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, Late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others who sacrificed for Nigeria’s freedom.
The president said the honour was necessary to preserve the legacy of those who fought for democracy.
The New Diplomat reports that Kudirat Abiola, a fierce activist and wife of MKO Abiola, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Tinubu’s recognition of Abiola’s sacrifice amplifies the significance of June 12, a day now etched in history as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Also, Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his role in conducting the 1993 election, adjudged as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Despite the election’s annulment by then-military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, Nwosu’s integrity and innovative electoral reforms, including the Option A4 voting system, have been widely praised by many for laying the foundation for modern democratic processes.
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a revered military general and pro-democracy advocate, was also posthumously conferred with the GCFR.
The honours also extended beyond these individuals to other heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.
Environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, leader of the Ogoni Nine, also received the CON, alongside his comrades Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Prominent figures like Wole Soyinka, Shehu Sani, and Femi Falana were also recognized for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Below is the full list of those honoured by the President;
Those honoured with posthumous national honours are: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (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), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Also conferred with national honours are Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Dr Edwin Madunagu(COM); 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), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
