Abuja – June 12, 2025
In a landmark move to honour Nigeria’s foremost democracy icons, human rights activists, journalists, and statesmen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred National Honours on a distinguished list of Nigerians, both living and posthumous.
Among those honoured are literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka, pro-democracy activist Senator Shehu Sani, human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN, and revered cleric Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The honours were announced today, June 12 – Nigeria’s Democracy Day, symbolizing a tribute to those who played vital roles in the nation’s struggle for democracy, good governance, and social justice.
Notably, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, the late Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime and a prominent political figure, was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — Nigeria’s highest national honour.
Also posthumously honoured were environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, democracy icon Balarabe Musa, legal luminary Bola Ige, media entrepreneur Alex Ibru, and civil rights leader Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Below is the Full List of Honourees:
🏅 Living Recipients
GCON
- Prof. Wole Soyinka
CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger)
- Prof. Olatunji Dare
- Bayo Onanuga
- Dare Babarinsa
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
- Senator Shehu Sani
- Governor Uba Sani
- Barrister Femi Falana, SAN
- Prof. Shafideen Amuwo
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi
- Dr. Tunji Alausa
- Odia Ofeimun
- Barrister Felix Morka
- Barrister Ledum Mitee
- Hon. Olawale Osun
- Dr. Amos Akingba
- Prof. Segun Gbadegesin
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere
- Prof. Bayo Williams
CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic)
- Mobolaji Akinyemi
- Sen. Abu Ibrahim
- Sen. Ame Ebute
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti
OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger)
- Kunle Ajibade
- Nosa Igiebor
- Dapo Olorunyomi
- Ayo Obe
- Barrister Luke Aghanenu
- Hon. Labaran Maku
- Mr. Nick Dazang
- Hon. Abdul Oroh
- Seye Kehinde
- Saturday Dobee
- Nordu Eawo
- Daniel Gbooko
- Paul Levera
- Felix Nuate
- Baribor Bera
- Barinem Kiobel
- John Kpuine
🕊️ Posthumous Honours
GCFR (Grand Commander of the Federal Republic)
- Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic)
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa
- Pa Alfred Rewane
- Chief Bola Ige
CON
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti
- Alao Aka Bashorun
- Chief Frank Kokori
- Fredrick Fasehun
- Prof. Festus Iyayi
- Dr. Edwin Madunagu
- Chief Ayo Fasanmi
- Sen. Polycarp Nwite
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo
- Ken Saro-Wiwa (Also listed among living honourees)
OON
- Bagauda Kaltho
- Chima Ubani
- Emma Ezeazu
- Bamidele Aturu
- Dr. John Yima Sen
- Alhaja Sawaba Gambo
- Alex Ibru
