President Tinubu posthumously honours The Guardian founder for championing press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously awarded the late Alex Ibru, founder of The Guardian newspaper, the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in recognition of his crucial contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey and commitment to press freedom.
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The honour was announced during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration at the National Assembly in Abuja, marking 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
In his speech, Tinubu described Ibru as a “quiet titan of democracy” whose newspaper championed truth and accountability during Nigeria’s darkest military years.
He stressed that the honour reflects Ibru’s courageous stance in an era when defending democratic ideals carried great personal risk.
Alongside Ibru, several democracy icons were honoured, both posthumously and in their lifetimes.
Those posthumously decorated include Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Bola Ige (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were also granted presidential pardons.
Living recipients included Wole Soyinka (GCON), Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Femi Falana (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), and Sam Amuka-Pemu (CON), whose award coincided with his 90th birthday.
In a symbolic act of reconciliation, Tinubu posthumously honoured Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists with CON and OON titles, describing the gesture as a long overdue move toward justice and healing.
The President decorated key National Assembly leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (GCON) and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), while reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, unity, and democratic reform.
Citing 3.4 per cent GDP growth in 2024 and initiatives like the new Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, he pledged to improve citizens’ welfare and expand economic opportunities.
Alex Ibru was a quiet titan of democracy. The Guardian under his leadership stood fearlessly for truth
However, the ceremony was briefly marred by a clerical error in the honours list, which wrongly included two living figures in the posthumous category.
The Presidency issued an apology, correcting the mistake and assuring it would be updated across official records.
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, praised Tinubu for recognising its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, among others, as part of a broader gesture to acknowledge heroes of the June 12 struggle.
The group also welcomed the pardon of the Ogoni Nine, describing it as a timely recognition of their sacrifices.
Meanwhile, Funsho Adegbola, daughter of the late Chief Bola Ige, acknowledged the honour given to her father but lamented that his killers remain free.
“Twenty-four years later, justice has yet to be done,” she said, while expressing gratitude for the posthumous CFR award.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called on Nigerians to protect and deepen the country’s democratic gains.
Speaking at a public lecture, he emphasised that democracy without development is hollow and underscored the importance of reform under Tinubu’s leadership.
Also read: Tinubu National Honours 2025 Recognise Democracy Icons, Activists
Akume concluded with a call for national unity, democratic renewal, and a shared commitment to honour the ideals symbolised by June 12.
