Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Yar’Adua, Humphrey Nwosu, Ogoni Nine, and Others

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on a number of Nigerians—both living and deceased—for their roles in the country’s democratic journey and social progress.

During his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu posthumously awarded the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Kudirat Abiola, wife of late MKO Abiola, in recognition of her contributions to the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.

“As we mark twenty-six years of unbroken democracy, it is only fitting to honour those who made great sacrifices, braving the odds to secure the freedoms we now enjoy,” Tinubu said.

Other posthumous honourees include former Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who was awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), and Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Also honoured were 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), and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

Tinubu also recognized several notable figures in journalism, law, activism, and governance. Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Others included 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), Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barr. 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), Barr. Felix Morka (CON), Barr. 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. Ameh Ebute (CFR).

In a significant move, Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours on members of the Ogoni Nine, including their leader, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON). Others honoured were Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON).

The president further announced that he would exercise his powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these individuals a full state pardon, with additional names to be disclosed in collaboration with the National Council of State.

Veteran journalist and publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu was also honoured with a CON as he marks his 90th birthday on June 13.