I’ll Sue If Tinubu Names Me for National Honour – Sowore Warns

Nigerian activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore has warned that he will take legal action against President Bola Tinubu’s administration if his name is ever included on a national honours list. The #RevolutionNow convener and former presidential candidate issued the warning via social media on Friday.

“If I were mistakenly included by Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list, I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation,” Sowore wrote.

His statement follows a controversy during the Democracy Day celebration, where the Presidency mistakenly listed two living individuals, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu, among posthumous honourees. The error occurred during President Tinubu’s speech at the National Assembly, prompting a public apology from the Presidency.

Among those honoured posthumously were Kudirat Abiola, who received the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award for her efforts in the June 12, 1993, election struggle. Others included Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with members of the Ogoni Nine, all granted full presidential pardons.

Sowore, a persistent critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu, has frequently accused the administration of corruption, authoritarianism, and the erosion of civil rights.