Tinubu honours Dasuki, Okei-Odumakin, Kolade-Otitoju, Alake, others for June 12 struggle

President Bola Tinubu has announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders and military officers who played key roles in the June 12 struggle and the fight for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, Tinubu said the award recipients endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships in the quest to restore democracy to the country.

“I am pleased to announce national awards to Nigerians who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today,” the President said.

Those named for the honours include Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (retd), Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta, among others.

Tinubu also recognised a group of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” for their roles during the June 12 struggle. They include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Major General Chris Eze and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.

The President said the full honours list and award categories would be released in the coming days.

Tinubu noted that the recognition was aimed at preserving the legacy of individuals whose sacrifices helped sustain Nigeria’s democracy, 27 years after the country returned to civilian rule.

He urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values, saying the nation’s diversity had become a source of strength rather than division.

“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.