Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others With National Awards
President confers posthumous and national honours on democracy icons, journalists, activists, and the Ogoni Nine in Democracy Day address.
President Bola Tinubu has honoured several key figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including the late Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, with national awards during his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2025.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly, President Tinubu said the awards were to acknowledge the sacrifices made by individuals who paved the way for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
“As we mark 26 years of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who braved all odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” Tinubu declared.
Kudirat Abiola, wife of the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was honoured with the highest national title, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), while former electoral chief Humphrey Nwosu received Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The full list of posthumous awardees includes:
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)
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. Alex Ibru (CON)
Chief Bola Ige (CFR)
Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)
Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)
Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)
In a historic move, Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa and members of the Ogoni Nine, acknowledging their environmental justice activism. Each member received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title:
Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)
Saturday Dobee (OON)
Nordu Eawo (OON)
Daniel Gbooko (OON)
Paul Levera (OON)
Felix Nuate (OON)
Baribor Bera (OON)
Barinem Kiobel (OON)
John Kpuine (OON)
President Tinubu further announced a full presidential pardon for the Ogoni Nine and promised more pardons in collaboration with the National Council of State.
Distinguished living Nigerians also received awards, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), human rights lawyer Femi Falana (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), in honour of his 90th birthday.
The president said the recognition is a step towards preserving Nigeria’s democratic memory and reinforcing its commitment to justice, sacrifice, and service.
