Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kudirat Abiola, Soyinka, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on dozens of prominent Nigerians, including pro-democracy heroes, civil rights activists, and literary figures, as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.

Speaking during his State of the Nation address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu announced that the awards were in recognition of the honorees’ outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and national progress.

Among the most notable recipients was the late Kudirat Abiola, honoured posthumously with the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), while Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka was named Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Also awarded posthumously were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine, with Tinubu additionally granting them a presidential pardon.

“Today, we honour the lives, sacrifices, and enduring legacies of those who laid the groundwork for the democratic freedoms we now enjoy,” President Tinubu stated during the address.

The full list of honorees spans a wide range of national figures, including legal luminaries, human rights advocates, journalists, academics, and political pioneers. Other recipients include Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Bola Ige, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), and the late Alhaja Sawaba Gambo.

FULL LIST OF NATIONAL HONOURS AWARDEES (2025):

• Kudirat Abiola – CFR

• 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. Edwin Madunagu – CON

• Dr. Alex Ibru – CON

• Chief Bola Ige – CFR

• Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR

• Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON

• Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON

• Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON

• Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON

• Prof. 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

• Senator Shehu Sani – CON

• Governor Uba Sani – CON

• Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON

• Prof. Shafideen Amuwo – CON

• Barrister Luke Aghanenu – OON

• Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON

• Hon. Labaran Maku – OON

• Dr. Tunji Alausa – CON

• Mr. Nick Dazang – OON

• Hon. Abdul Oroh – OON

• Odia Ofeimun – CON

• Seye Kehinde – OON

• Barrister Felix Morka – CON

• Barrister Ledum Mitee – CON

• Hon. Olawale Osun – CON

• Dr. Amos Akingba – CON

• Prof. Segun Gbadegesin – CON

• Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR

• Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON

• Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON

• Prof. Bayo Williams – CON

• Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR

• Senator Ame Ebute – CFR

• Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON

• 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

Tinubu added, “In exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy, I hereby grant these national heroes a full presidential pardon. Additional names will be announced subsequently in consultation with the National Council of State.”

The awards ceremony underscores the administration’s emphasis on historical justice and national unity, aligning with Tinubu’s commitment to uphold democratic ideals and honor the country’s struggle for civil liberties.

By Adeola Olaniya | June 12, 2025