The Traffic

Tinubu Honours Democracy Heroes: Yar’Adua, Nwosu, Soyinka, Falana, Ogoni Nine Among Awardees

By Achimi muktar 

In an unprecedented move to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has immortalised the sacrifices of Nigeria’s most iconic democracy fighters — both living and fallen — by conferring national honours on dozens of notable figures, including the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and the slain Ogoni Nine.

The announcement, made during a landmark session at the National Assembly on Thursday, marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political history — one that attempts to reconcile past wounds and pay tribute to those who stood unshaken in the face of oppression.

“This is a roll call of Nigeria’s true patriots,” Tinubu declared to thunderous applause. “Men and women who laid down their lives, voices, pens, and careers for a dream many thought impossible — a democratic Nigeria.”

The posthumous awards included top honours for General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), the brilliant military strategist turned pro-democracy hero; Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), who courageously presided over the historic 1993 election; and Kudirat Abiola (CON), the fearless activist gunned down during the military era.

But the biggest surprise came with the official recognition of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine — the environmental activists executed in 1995 under General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship. Tinubu called their recognition “long overdue,” stating:

“Their voices may have been silenced, but their cause lives on. This honour is a pledge to justice and healing.”

Living legends weren’t left out. The iconic playwright and human rights advocate Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while trailblazers like Sam Amuka-Pemu, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bayo Onanuga, Odia Ofeimun, and Senator Shehu Sani were also decorated.

Journalism icons and democracy crusaders like Dapo Olorunyomi, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Ayo Obe, Seye Kehinde, and Dare Babarinsa were honoured for their relentless contributions in holding power to account through the darkest days of military rule.

Human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, known for his fiery courtroom advocacy and unyielding voice for the voiceless, was also awarded a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), solidifying his place among Nigeria’s democratic greats.

“These men and women have stood on the side of the people in moments when it was inconvenient, risky, and unpopular,” Tinubu said. “Their courage, intellect, and resilience have kept the flame of democracy burning.”

The awards ceremony formed the emotional climax of the June 12 celebration, a day that commemorates the 1993 presidential election — believed to be Nigeria’s freest and fairest — which was infamously annulled by the military.

For many Nigerians, especially the younger generation who have only read about these names in history books, the gesture is a timely reminder that democracy was not handed down — it was fought for.

And now, 26 years after the return of civilian rule, the country finally honours those who made it possible.