Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kudirat Abiola, Wole Soyinka, Humphrey Nwosu, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others


President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on several prominent figures both living and posthumous who played pivotal roles in the struggle for democracy and the actualization of the June 12 mandate.


Speaking during the Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja, President Tinubu announced that the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) had been conferred on Kudirat Abiola, describing her as “the heroine of the June 12 struggle.”


The President also posthumously

 awarded Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, 

with Nigeria’s highest honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) in recognition of his sacrifices for democratic governance.


Other notable posthumous honourees include:


 • Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Chairman of the National Electoral Commission during the June 12 election


 • 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);

 • Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON);

 • Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON);

 • Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).


Among the living recipients are:

 • Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Nobel Laureate;

 • Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), veteran journalist and journalism educator;

 • 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);

 • Barr. Femi Falana, SAN (CON);

 • Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON);

 • Barr. Luke Aghanenu (OON);

 • Sen. 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);

 • Barr. Felix Morka (CON);

 • Barr. Ledum Mitee (CON);

 • Hon. Olawale Osun (CON);

 • Dr. Amos Akingba (CON);

 • Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON);

 • Prof. Mobolaji Aluko (CON);

 • Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON);

 • Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON);

 • Prof. Bayo Williams (CON);

 • Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR);

 • Sen. Ameh Ebute (CFR).


A special honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) was also conferred on Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher, as he marks his 90th birthday on June 13.


In a symbolic act of reconciliation, President Tinubu posthumously conferred honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine, alongside:


 • Saturday Dobee (OON),

 • Nordu Eawo (OON),

 • Daniel Gbooko (OON),

 • Paul Levera (OON),

 • Felix Nuate (OON),

 • Baribor Bera (OON),

 • Barinem Kiobel (OON),

 • John Kpuinen (OON).


The President announced he would be exercising the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, with more names to be released in conjunction with the National Council of State.


Additionally, President Tinubu decorated the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly with the national honours conferred on them in 2023:


 • Senator Godswill Akpabio (GCON) – Senate President;

 • Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD (GCON) – Speaker, House of Representatives;

 • Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau (CFR) – Deputy Senate President;

 • Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (CFR) – Deputy Speaker.


In his concluding remarks, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to recommit to the ideals of June 12 freedom, transparent and accountable governance, social justice, and a just society where no one is oppressed.

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