On June 12, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honors on notable Nigerians who fought against military rule and the restoration of democratic governance in the country.
The list of national honors released by the presidency included two living citizens, Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, and Madunagu, a renowned activist and scholar, who were erroneously named as posthumous recipients, which sparked controversy.
According to available information, Fasoranti was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while Professor Madunagu received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award.
However, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, admitted the error after the Democracy Day Speech had been read by the President in the National Assembly, claiming the categorisations were an oversight.
Here are brief profiles of two prominent Nigerians who were posthumously recognized by President Bola Tinubu:
PA REUBEN FAMUYIDE FASORANTI
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti is a renowned Nigerian politician, philanthropist, and educationist, born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Fasoranti began his educational journey in his hometown, attending primary school before moving on to Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and finally the University College in Ibadan, where he earned a higher degree in English and Geography.
CAREER
Fasoranti started as a teacher at Ondo Boys’ High School, his alma mater, and later became the principal of Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School.
POLITICS
He was a significant figure in Nigerian politics, serving as the Commissioner of Finance in Ondo State from 1979 to 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Fasoranti was also a prominent member of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization.
LEADERSHIP
As a foundation member and leader of Afenifere, he advocated for Yoruba interests, unity, and development.
PERSONAL LIFE AND LEGACY
Fasoranti is married, though his wife has passed away. His daughter, Funke Olakunri, was tragically killed by suspected herdsmen in 2019.
AWARDS
He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and celebrated his 98th birthday in 2024, marking a life of service, integrity, and leadership.
DR. EDWIN MADUNAGU
Dr. Edwin Madunagu is a distinguished Nigerian Marxist intellectual, activist, and academic.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
He was born on May 15, 1946, in Ilesha, Ondo State, Madunagu studied mathematics at the University of Ibadan and later earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos.
CAREER
He taught mathematics at the universities of Lagos and Calabar before being dismissed in the late 1970s due to his radical views. Madunagu has extensively written on social justice, governance, and democracy.
Notable Works and Contributions
Some of his notable works include “The Philosophy of Violence” (1976), “The Tragedy of the Nigerian Socialist Movement” (1980), and “The Making and Unmaking of Nigeria” (2001).
CONTRIBUTIONS IN ASUU
Madunagu played a key role in the establishment of ASUU, alongside other prominent intellectuals like Uzodinma Nwala and Biodun Jeyifo.
ACTIVISM
Social and Political Activism: He has been involved with various progressive groups, including the Calabar Group of Socialists, the Anti-Poverty Movement of Nigeria, and the Congress for Popular Democracy.
