President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the pro-democracy struggle that led to the return of civilian rule in the country.
The awardees, announced on Friday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, include journalists, civil rights activists, political figures, and military officers who played various roles in the campaign against military rule.
Among those honoured are Joe Igbokwe, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Richard Akinnola, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, and the late Dr Arthur Nwankwo.
Tinubu described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, noting that it represents the nation’s enduring commitment to freedom and democratic governance.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu added that many of the honourees suffered persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other hardships during the struggle, stressing that their sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The list also includes a category tagged “Soldier-Democrats,” made up of military officers who were involved in the pro-democracy movement against military rule.
The full list includes:
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obioha
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
Also included are the “soldier-democrats” of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed
Col Sambo Dasuki
Col Lawan Gwadabe
Brigadier Jonathan
Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu
Major General Chris Eze
Major General Harris Dzarma
Col Isa Jibrin
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba (Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Tinubu also noted that the full breakdown of the honours list, including categories and ranks, will be released in the coming days.
