President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on several key figures in Nigeria's democratic and human rights history, including Kudirat Abiola, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Balarabe Musa, and others.
During his Democracy Day address on June 12, the president announced that Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late MKO Abiola and a notable figure in the June 12 democratic struggle, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Environmental activist and leader of the Ogoni Nine, Ken Saro-Wiwa, was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), alongside his fellow campaigners: Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—all honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
President Tinubu also exercised his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy by granting full pardons to these individuals. He noted that additional names would be announced in conjunction with the National Council of State.
Former Chief of Staff and pro-democracy icon, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR). Humphrey Nwosu, the electoral chief who oversaw the historic June 12, 1993 election, received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Other prominent Nigerians posthumously honoured include:
- Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
- Balarabe Musa (CFR)
- Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR)
- Bagauda Kaltho (OON)
- Chima Ubani (OON)
- Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
- Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON)
- Frank Kokori (CON)
- Emma Ezeazu (OON)
- Bamidele Aturu (OON)
- Fredrick Fasehun (CON)
- Festus Iyayi (CON)
- John Yima Sen (OON)
- Sawaba Gambo (CON)
- Edwin Madunagu (CON)
- Alex Ibru (CON)
- Bola Ige (CFR)
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)
- Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)
- Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)
Living recipients of national honours included renowned figures in journalism, civil rights, academia, and public service:
- Wole Soyinka (GCON)
- 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)
- Shehu Sani (CON)
- Governor Uba Sani (CON)
- Femi Falana (CON)
- Shafideen Amuwo (CON)
- Luke Aghanenu (OON)
- Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)
- Labaran Maku (OON)
- Tunji Alausa (CON)
- Nick Dazang (OON)
- Abdul Oroh (OON)
- Odia Ofeimun (CON)
- Seye Kehinde (OON)
- Felix Morka (CON)
- Ledum Mitee (CON)
- Hon. Olawale Osun (CON)
- Amos Akingba (CON)
- Segun Gbadegesin (CON)
- Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)
- Julius Ihonvbere (CON)
- Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)
- Abu Ibrahim (CFR)
- Ame Ebute (CFR)
President Tinubu also recognized Sam Amuka Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher, in commemoration of his 90th birthday on June 13, praising his lifelong contribution to journalism and public enlightenment.
The awards were part of a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to acknowledge the sacrifices and legacies of individuals who played vital roles in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.