In a powerful symbolic gesture, President Bola Tinubu conferred national honors on several fallen and living heroes of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, declaring that their sacrifices “wove the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”
“As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honor those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” President Tinubu declared. The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of dozens of Nigerians, many posthumously, for their roles in advancing freedom and justice.
Among them:
• Alhaja Kudirat Abiola (CFR) – for her fearless activism during military rule.
• Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR) – for his legacy as a general and democracy advocate.
• Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON) – for conducting the historic June 12, 1993, election.
• Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) and the Ogoni Nine – granted full pardons and national honors for their environmental activism and unjust executions.
• Chief Gani Fawehinmi (GCON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), and Chima Ubani (OON) were also honored posthumously.
Among the living recipients:
• Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON) – celebrated for his lifelong commitment to justice.
• Prominent journalists Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), and Bayo Onanuga (CON) – recognized for their courage during Nigeria’s darkest days.
• Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON) – honored for his dedication to journalism, as he turns 90.
Also honored were key pro-democracy voices including Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and Femi Falana, SAN (CON)—noted for shaping Nigeria’s political conscience.
To emphasize executive-legislative unity, Tinubu also formally decorated presiding officers of the National Assembly with their previously conferred national honors.
National Honors Conferred by President Tinubu on Democracy Day 2025 – Full List Below
1. Posthumous National Honors
1.1 CFR
1. Kudirat Abiola
2. Alhaji Balarabe Musa
3. Pa. Alfred Rewane
4. Chief Bola Ige
5. Pa. Reuben Fasoranti
6. Sen. Abu Ibrahim
7. Sen. Ame Ebute
1.2 GCFR
8\. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
1.3 CON
9\. Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
10\. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
11\. Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti
12\. Alao Aka Bashorun
13\. Chief Frank Kokori
14\. Fredrick Fasehun
15\. Professor Festus Iyayi
16\. Alhaja Sawaba Gambo
17\. Dr. Edwin Madunagu (STILL ALIVE)
18\. Dr. Alex Ibru
19\. Sen. Ayo Fasanmi
20\. Sen. Polycarp Nwite
21\. Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo
22\. Ken Saro Wiwa
23\. Barinem Kiobel
24\. Emma Ezeazu
25\. Bamidele Aturu
26\. Dr. John Yima Sen
27\. Mobolaji Akinyemi
1.4 OON
28\. Bagauda Kaltho
29\. Chima Ubani
30\. Emma Ezeazu
31\. Bamidele Aturu
32\. Dr. John Yima Sen
33\. Saturday Dobee
34\. Nordu Eawo
35\. Daniel Gbooko
36\. Paul Levera
37\. Felix Nuate
38\. Baribor Bera
39\. John Kpuine
2. National Honours for Living Individuals
2.1 GCON
1. Prof. Wole Soyinka
2.2 CFR
2\. Mobolaji Akinyemi
2.3 CON
3\. Prof. Olatunji Dare
4\. Bayo Onanuga
5\. Dare Babarinsa
6\. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
7\. Senator Shehu Sani
8\. Governor Uba Sani
9\. Barrister Femi Falana, SAN
10\. Prof. Shafideen Amuwo
11\. Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi
12\. Dr. Tunji Alausa
13\. Odia Ofeimun
14\. Barrister Felix Morka
15\. Barrister Ledum Mitee
16\. Hon. Olawale Osun
17\. Dr. Amos Akingba
18\. Prof. Segun Gbadegesin
19\. Dr. Kayode Shonoiki
20\. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere
21\. Prof. Bayo Williams
22\. Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu
2.4 OON
23\. Kunle Ajibade
24\. Nosa Igiebor
25\. Dapo Olorunyomi
26\. Ayo Obe
27\. Barrister Luke Aghanenu
28\. Hon. Labaran Maku
29\. Mr. Nick Dazang
30\. Hon. Abdul Oroh
31\. Seye Kehinde
3. Decorated Presiding National Assembly Officers (previously conferred)
3.1 GCON
1. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio (Senate President)
2. Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD (Speaker)
3.2 CFR
3\. Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau (Deputy Senate President)
4\. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (Deputy Speaker)