JUNE 12: Presidency Apologizes for Democracy Day Honours List Error, Clarifies Status of Pa Fasoranti and Dr. Madunagu
The Nigerian Presidency has issued a formal apology following an embarrassing misstep in the Democracy Day National Honours list, where two prominent figures—Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu—were mistakenly listed among the deceased.
Contrary to what was stated in the address delivered by President Bola Tinubu, both men are alive and continue to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
The correction was made public through an official statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Onanuga described the mistake as an unfortunate oversight and extended sincere regrets to the individuals involved, as well as to the public.
According to the statement, President Tinubu, during his Democracy Day speech at a joint session of the National Assembly, had paid tribute to several Nigerians who played pivotal roles in the country’s democratic evolution.
Among the over 80 honourees, a number were awarded posthumous recognition for their courage and sacrifices. However, the names of Pa Fasoranti and Dr. Madunagu were wrongly placed in that category.
“Both of these distinguished Nigerians are still with us,” the statement emphasized. “Their inclusion in the posthumous segment was erroneous, and we take full responsibility for the mistake. We are currently updating all official platforms to reflect the correction.”
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at 98 years old, remains an influential elder statesman and the national leader of Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political group. His contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development span decades and have earned him widespread respect across the political spectrum.
Dr. Edwin Madunagu, a renowned Marxist thinker, journalist, and human rights advocate, has been a steadfast voice for social justice and democratic governance in Nigeria. Through his activism and intellectual engagement, he has shaped progressive discourse in the country for generations.
Both men were rightfully included in the larger list of honourees celebrated for their dedication to democracy, civil liberties, and freedom of expression.
Their recognition, however, should have been in the category reserved for living national figures who continue to inspire and influence public life.
During the same ceremony, President Tinubu had also paid posthumous tribute to historic figures such as Chief Kudirat Abiola, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine—each remembered for their sacrifices in Nigeria’s long and often turbulent path to democratic rule.
The Presidency reiterated its commitment to preserving the dignity of national awards and assured Nigerians that internal processes would be strengthened to prevent such errors in the future.