BREAKING: Tinubu confers national honours on Soyinka, Olorunyomi, Onanuga, Falana, others
By Kunle Sanni
Delivering his Democracy Day address, President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on a wide array of distinguished Nigerians, recognizing their outstanding contributions to democracy, human rights, journalism, activism, and national development.
The honours included both living recipients and posthumous awards for prominent figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
President Tinubu made the announcement on Thursday while addressing a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives to mark the nation’s Democracy Day.
Foremost among the honourees is Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—the country’s second-highest national honour.
Other key recipients include Dapo Olorunyomi, founder of Premium Times (Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON); Bayo Onanuga, journalist and presidential aide (Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON); and Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, renowned human rights lawyer (CON).
Tinubu also honoured numerous activists, journalists, lawyers, academics, and public servants, including:
Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)
Kunle Ajibade (OON)
Nosa Igiebor (OON)
Ayo Obe (OON)
Dare Babarinsa (CON)
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON)
Senator Shehu Sani (CON)
Governor Uba Sani (CON)
Odia Ofeimun (CON)
Senators Abu Ibrahim and Ameh Ebute (CFR)
Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher, awarded the CON as he marks his 90th birthday on June 13.
The president also conferred posthumous national honours on key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and civil rights advocacy. Among them:
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
Kudirat Abiola (CFR), wife of the late MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Chairman of the 1993 Electoral Commission
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
Chief Bola Ige (CFR)
Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, all posthumously awarded CON or OON and granted presidential pardons.
Others honoured posthumously include Pa Alfred Rewane, Bagauda Kaltho, Chima Ubani, Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Frederick Fasehun, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Alhaja Sawaba Gambo, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, and several others.
President Tinubu also announced that full presidential pardons would be granted to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
He added that additional names would be revealed following consultations with the National Council of State.
