Tinubu’s Democracy Day Honours Ignite Praise and Criticism Over Omission of Key June 12 Heroes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address this year was meant to commemorate the progress of Nigeria’s democracy and honour individuals who risked their lives and careers during the struggle against military dictatorship. However, instead of uniting public sentiment, the extensive honours list released on June 12, 2025, sparked a passionate national debate—one steeped in applause, controversy, and renewed calls for inclusiveness.
While many Nigerians applauded the breadth of Tinubu’s recognition, especially the emphasis on democracy advocates, journalists, activists, and academics, a significant section of the public expressed dismay over key omissions—particularly those believed to be essential players in the historic June 12 struggle for democracy.
A Tribute to the Spirit of June 12
June 12 represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. It commemorates the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s annals. Business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was presumed the winner before the military government under General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results. This single act triggered a widespread wave of civil unrest, protests, and international condemnation. The aftermath gave birth to a new generation of pro-democracy activists who risked imprisonment, torture, and even death to resist the military regime.
In recognition of this historic legacy, Tinubu, himself a key figure in the resistance, delivered a symbolic Democracy Day speech before a joint session of the National Assembly. During the session, he unveiled a comprehensive list of recipients of national honours for their contributions to the country’s democratic evolution.
Notable Honourees in the 2025 Democracy Day List
Among the top recipients was Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Retired military officer and democracy advocate General Alani Akinrinade also received the GCON.
Other prominent honourees included civil rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Bishop Matthew Kukah, journalist Dare Babarinsa, academic Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Senator Shehu Sani, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. They were all decorated with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a prestigious award that recognises significant public service and leadership.
The awards spanned various sectors, including media, civil rights, academia, and politics, underlining the breadth of contributions made in Nigeria’s pro-democracy campaign. Each name on the list carried a story of resilience, advocacy, or intellectual contribution to the nation’s freedom journey.
Posthumous Recognitions and the Pardon of the Ogoni Nine
President Tinubu also granted a historic presidential pardon to the “Ogoni Nine,” including environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, who were executed under the regime of General Sani Abacha in 1995. Their trial and execution had drawn global condemnation for being politically motivated and unjust. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) welcomed the decision but urged the federal government to go further by granting a full exoneration to clear their names legally and historically.
In addition, posthumous honours were bestowed on figures like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, and Pa Alfred Rewani, further enshrining their legacies within Nigeria’s democratic history.
Backlash Over Omitted Names
Despite the comprehensive nature of the honours list, backlash followed. Senator Shehu Sani, himself a recipient, raised concern on social media over the omission of key figures from Northern Nigeria who were pivotal in the anti-military resistance. He listed names such as Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Colonel Dangiwa Umar, Dr. Bala Usman, Salihu Lukman, Ahmed Joda, John Danfulani, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, James Bawa Magaji, and Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
Other names cited by critics included Attahiru Jega, Usman Bugaje, Suleiman Ahmed, Dan Suleiman, Nasir Abbas, and Nasiru Kura—individuals with long records of activism during the military era. Historical figures like Hajiya Gambo Sawaba and Col. Yohanna Madaki were also noted for their absence, as were outspoken activists like Awwal Rafsanjani and the late Abubakar Rimi.
YEPS findings revealed that many of these individuals had been previously honoured under past administrations. For instance, former Governor Sule Lamido received the CON in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan. However, critics argue that the significance of this year’s Democracy Day warranted a renewed affirmation of such legacies, especially given the moment’s historical symbolism.
Unacknowledged Heroes of the Abiola Campaign
The omission of some close associates of MKO Abiola also raised questions. Figures such as Otunba Gaddafi, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and Yinka Odumakin were not included in the new awards. Late media personalities like Tunde Oladepo, believed to have been killed by security agents during the Abacha regime, were likewise unrecognised.
Dele Momodu, Babafemi Ojudu, and Dr. Tunji Abayomi, all of whom were active during the June 12 struggle, were noticeably left out, igniting criticism from observers who believe their contributions remain underappreciated in official records.
Delayed Recognition and Family Reactions
Some families of previously overlooked heroes welcomed this year’s posthumous recognitions but also expressed frustration over delayed acknowledgement. Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), and Frank Kokori, a key labour leader, were both omitted from Tinubu’s 2024 honours list. Their families reacted sharply, labelling the omission as disrespectful and ungrateful, particularly given their sacrifice in the democratic struggle.
This year, however, both men were posthumously conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Remi Fasehun, speaking on behalf of the Fasehun family, recalled how his father’s activism provided critical support that helped Tinubu escape into exile during Abacha’s reign. Kive Aghogho Kokori, son of the late Frank Kokori, also described his father’s belated recognition as “bittersweet,” noting that it should have come while he was still alive.
Honouring the June 12 Electoral Legacy
A significant addition to the honours list was Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission who conducted the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Nwosu received a posthumous CON award for his role in administering what is still widely believed to be Nigeria’s most credible electoral process.
Former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, another diaspora figure involved in the democracy movement, offered a sobering critique. He told Channels Television that the omission of individuals behind the underground radio network “Radio Kudirat,” which broadcast anti-military propaganda during the 1990s, left him unsatisfied. He highlighted contributors like Yinka Johnson, George Noah, Gbolahan Olalemi, Daniel Johnson, and the late Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem as deserving of recognition.
A National Roll Call Across Sectors
Among the over 60 awardees were names from every part of Nigeria and various professional domains. Media legend Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu was honoured with the CON award on his 90th birthday. Other media professionals such as Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Odia Ofeimun, and Bayo Onanuga were also celebrated.
Other recipients included Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Labaran Maku, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Abdul Oroh, Seye Kehinde, Felix Morka, Ledum Mitee, Olawale Osun, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and Senator Ameh Ebute.
This year’s Democracy Day awards reflected a deliberate attempt to reach across Nigeria’s geopolitical and ideological spectrum. It recognised academics, civil servants, journalists, religious leaders, and military officers alike—painting a broad and inclusive picture of the pro-democracy legacy.
Presidency Says More Names May Be Added
Speaking at the National Assembly, President Tinubu concluded his address with a strong message: “As we mark 26 years of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who made sacrifices—braving the odds and the guns—to ensure we have a democratic nation.” He added that the list is not final and that more deserving Nigerians may still be recognised in future ceremonies.
Tinubu also decorated high-ranking government officials who were awarded in 2024. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas received the GCON, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu were given the CFR.
Tinubu’s Pattern of Honours Since Assuming Office
Since assuming office, Tinubu has conducted multiple rounds of national awards. In October 2023, he honoured Independence Day recipients. Another batch came in December 2023, focusing on ministers and security officers, followed by a March 2024 list honouring soldiers killed in Delta State. The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, received a posthumous award in that batch.
Foreign dignitaries have also been included. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the GCON in December 2024—the second non-Nigerian to receive the honour after Queen Elizabeth II. On June 3, 2025, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates was awarded the CFR in recognition of his two-decade contribution to health and agriculture in Nigeria, valued at over $2 billion.
Understanding the National Honours System
The National Honours Act No. 6 of 1964 empowers the President to confer honours on Nigerians who demonstrate extraordinary merit in national service. Initially modelled after the British system, Nigeria’s honours hierarchy includes the GCFR, GCON, CFR, CON, Officer and Member ranks, and a medal for military gallantry.
YEPS research shows that as of October 2022, 5,341 individuals had received national honours. With additional lists from former President Buhari and Tinubu’s five honours batches—including the 68 most recent recipients—the number now stands at approximately 5,786.
Of these, only 16 individuals have received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest title, reserved for Presidents. The GCON has gone to just 48 people, while 369 have received the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
The Presidency has announced that all awards will be gazetted ahead of the investiture ceremony later this year, officially documenting the recipients and leaving room for new additions.
The Debate Continues
As the list of honourees grows, so does the conversation about inclusivity, fairness, and national memory. For every name recognised, there are others whose families, peers, and admirers believe still deserve a place in Nigeria’s hall of honour.
Ultimately, June 12 remains a powerful symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and hope. Tinubu’s actions show a willingness to honour this history—but the story of Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from finished. The ongoing debate over who deserves recognition reveals just how deeply June 12 continues to shape the nation’s conscience.