Presidency apologises after mistakenly listing Fasoranti, Edwin Madunagu as dead

The Nigerian Presidency has issued a public apology after wrongly naming two living national figures — Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu among the recipients of posthumous national honours during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address on Thursday.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the error was described as an “unfortunate oversight” and assurances were given that it would be corrected across all official government platforms.

“During his Democracy Day address at the joint session of the National Assembly earlier today, President Bola Tinubu announced a list of pro-democracy activists and national figures to be honoured for their significant contributions to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included. Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and, therefore, should not have appeared in the posthumous category.”

The Presidency expressed regret over the incident and pledged to make swift corrections: “We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms. We appreciate your understanding,” Onanuga stated.

Pa Reuben Fasoranti, 98, is the national leader of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere and has long been a respected voice in Nigeria’s political landscape. Dr. Edwin Madunagu, a Marxist intellectual and staunch human rights advocate, is renowned for his writings and activism in the struggle for democracy and social justice.

Both men were among the over 80 Nigerians honoured by President Tinubu during the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations for their outstanding contributions to civil rights, freedom of expression, and democratic advancement in the country.

President Tinubu had earlier conferred posthumous national honours on several notable figures, including Chief Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine — all of whom were recognized for their sacrifices in Nigeria’s fight for democracy.