JUST IN: Tinubu Honours Abiola, Kudirat, Soyinka, and Over 80 Others in Landmark Democracy Day Address

In a historic State of the Nation address marking 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on more than 80 individuals, both living and deceased, in a sweeping tribute to the country’s democratic heroes. The ceremony, held before a joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, served as both a moment of reflection and a bold declaration of national unity and reconciliation.

Chief Moshood Abiola, symbol of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, was posthumously recognised alongside his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her sacrifice and resistance to military rule. President Tinubu hailed her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle,” drawing loud applause from lawmakers and dignitaries in attendance.

Among the most notable announcements was the posthumous pardon granted to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other members of the Ogoni Nine, executed in 1995 under General Sani Abacha’s regime. Tinubu awarded Saro-Wiwa the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while his fellow activists each received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He further revealed plans to formally grant a state pardon, invoking constitutional powers in consultation with the National Council of State.

Also honoured posthumously was Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, awarded the nation’s highest honour—the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)—for his role in mobilising democratic resistance during the military era. Others celebrated for their contributions to the June 12 movement and the broader fight for democracy include Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON), and Chief Frank Kokori (CON).

The roll call of recognition extended to a broad spectrum of activists, journalists, legal advocates, and political leaders who stood against oppression. Among them were Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.

Living icons were not left out. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while journalism scholar Professor Olatunji Dare was honoured with a CON. Prominent journalists and media figures were recognised for their roles in defending press freedom and democratic ideals, including Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON).

The list of honourees included human rights lawyers Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON), as well as key national figures like Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), and Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON).

Further recognition went to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute, each acknowledged for their contributions to democratic growth.

Veteran journalist and Vanguard Newspapers founder Sam Amuka Pemu received a CON award just one day before his 90th birthday. Tinubu also formally decorated the current presiding officers of the National Assembly: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).

In his address, President Tinubu said the honours were “a national acknowledgment of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space.” He called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to uphold the core values of June 12—freedom, justice, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. He urged the nation to move beyond symbolic gestures and build a future rooted in the sacrifices of its past heroes.