June 12: Tinubu confers national honours on Joe Igbokwe, Dele Alake, Dasuki, 47 others (Full list)

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians for their roles in the pro-democracy struggle that culminated in the restoration of democratic governance in the country.

The honourees, announced on Friday, as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, include journalists, civil rights activists, political leaders and military officers who participated in the campaign against military rule.

Among those recognised 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 history, saying the date symbolises the nation’s commitment to democratic values and freedom.

“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” the president said.

He noted that many of the award recipients endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships during the struggle for democracy, stressing that their sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

The list also includes a category designated as “Soldier-Democrats,” comprising military officers who played roles in the fight against military dictatorship.

See list below:

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

We also recognise 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 said the complete honours list, including the categories and ranks of the awards, would be released in the coming days.

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