President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on prominent figures, including Kudirat Abiola, wife of the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola, and Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the electoral chairman during that historic poll.
Delivering his address during a joint session of the National Assembly as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu said the recognition honours those who made sacrifices for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
In his remarks, he announced the award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Kudirat Abiola for her role in the June 12 struggle. Other posthumous honorees included Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Balarabe Musa (CFR), Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), and Emma Ezeazu (OON).
Additional recipients included 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), Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Polycarp Nwite (CON), and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Among those honoured for their continued impact were Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), 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), Barr. Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), and Barr. Luke Aghanenu (OON).
Others recognised were Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Nick Dazang (OON), Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Felix Morka (CON), Ledum Mitee (CON), Olawale Osun (CON), 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).
Veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu was also honoured with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in celebration of his 90th birthday.
In addition, President Tinubu announced posthumous national honours and full pardons for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine: Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine. He added that more names would be announced later in consultation with the National Council of State.
