By Barth Ikiebe
The Presidency has tendered a public apology following the erroneous inclusion of two eminent Nigerians—Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu—under the posthumous category of national honours announced during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while delivering his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly on Thursday, honoured a number of notable Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s democratic journey.
However, the inclusion of Fasoranti and Madunagu among deceased honourees quickly drew public attention and concern, as both men are very much alive.
In an official statement issued later in the day, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged the error and assured the public that corrective measures were already underway.
“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included,” the statement read.
“Both distinguished individuals are alive and well, and as such, should not have been listed in that category.”
Mr. Onanuga attributed the mistake to a clerical oversight and expressed regret on behalf of the Presidency.
“We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall ensure that all relevant State House publications and digital platforms are updated accordingly,” he stated.
Pa Fasoranti is widely respected as a nationalist, statesman, and the leader of Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political group while Dr. Madunagu, a renowned journalist and leftist thinker, is known for his decades-long commitment to social justice and democratic advocacy.
Our Correspondent reports that the prompt apology from the Presidency was welcomed in many quarters as a responsible act of accountability, in keeping with the spirit of the day being commemorated.
