Controversy Trails Tinubu’s June 12 Heroes List

• Ajasin’s Family Objects, Says True Democratic Icons Were Excluded

• Activists Seek Recognition for Carrington, Adebanjo, Opadokun, Enahoro, Others

President Bola Tinubu’s gesture to honour a select few democracy fighters during the commemoration of June 12 has sparked widespread debate, with claims that many foundational figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle were left off the list.

During his Democracy Day speech, Tinubu saluted several individuals who played critical roles in Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, acknowledging their bravery and commitment in confronting dictatorship.

“The victory over tyranny wouldn’t have been possible without the bold sacrifices of those who stood tall during dangerous times,” Tinubu remarked during his national broadcast.

He described the act of honouring these individuals as a significant move to preserve “the truth and legacy of our democratic evolution.”

Ajasin Family Reacts

However, the family of the late National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leader, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, has expressed disappointment over the exclusion of their father from the honour list released by the Federal Government.

Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, speaking via a statement, questioned the rationale behind omitting such a prominent figure from the recognition, despite his frontline role in the fight for Nigeria’s democracy.

He said:

“It’s shocking that Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, CFR, a foremost democratic icon, was excluded from the June 12 honour roll.”

Tokunbo pointed out that Ajasin was not only the leader of Afenifere and NADECO but also provided ideological and structural leadership to groups like Campaign for Democracy (CD), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Movement for National Reformation (MNR), and National Conscience Party (NCP).

In his words:

“Chief Ajasin was a foundational architect of our democratic framework. To omit him, particularly as NADECO’s leader, from the June 12, 2025 honours, is a disservice to history.”

Citing former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba’s book Battle Lines: Adventures in Power, he listed Ajasin among the original 49 NADECO signatories, a list that included notable figures like Anthony Enahoro, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Bola Ige, and many others, most of whom were also omitted from the honours.

“Chief Ajasin led with vision and sacrifice at a time when it meant risking everything,” he added.

Despite the lack of official recognition, Tokunbo emphasized that the Ajasin family never sought rewards, stating:

“Our father’s role in defending democracy came from deep moral conviction. Still, it’s unfortunate to erase the contributions of genuine heroes from our national memory.”

More Democratic Advocates Left Out

A separate coalition known as Quintessential Professionals also criticized the omissions, calling on President Tinubu to honour Walter Carrington, a former United States Ambassador to Nigeria who stood firmly with Nigerian democracy advocates during the June 12 saga.

According to the group’s coordinator, Stanley Dunia, Carrington collaborated extensively with local activists while serving as ambassador between 1993 and 1997. He was married to Dr. Arese, a Nigerian from Edo State.

The group argued:

“Carrington’s dedication merits a posthumous award. His support helped keep the June 12 vision alive during dark days.”

They also advocated for the inclusion of other overlooked heroes, including Tinubu’s allies in Afenifere and NADECO: Chief Ayo Opadokun, Pa Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, and others.

Also mentioned were activists such as Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, Innocent Chukwuma, Mike Ozekhome, Yinka and Joe Okei-Odumakin, among several more.

Presidency Responds

The Presidency, responding through a senior source, acknowledged the backlash and attributed the omissions to “human error.”

“Even individuals within Tinubu’s core campaign group, like those from SWAGA ’23 who were deeply involved in the June 12 struggle, were mistakenly left out. A revised list is being prepared,” the source explained.