The Presidency has admitted to a serious blunder in the 2025 Democracy Day speech by Tinubu, after listing two prominent Nigerians Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu as recipients of posthumous honours, even though both men are still alive.
The error, which was broadcast live from the National Assembly during the President’s address, sparked widespread confusion and condemnation.
Tinubu had been paying tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes, but public outrage followed when the names of Fasoranti, a 98-year-old elder statesman and Afenifere leader, and Dr. Madunagu, a 78-year-old Marxist scholar and activist, were included among deceased awardees.
Reacting to the backlash, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a public statement on Thursday admitting the error.
“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included,” Onanuga stated.
“Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and, therefore, should not have appeared in the posthumous category.”
Onanuga described the development as “an unfortunate oversight,” and assured Nigerians that immediate efforts were being made to correct the mistake across all State House platforms.
“We sincerely regret this oversight,” he said. “The necessary corrections will be made on all digital and public communication platforms of the State House.”
Sources say the mix-up has caused embarrassment within the Presidency and raised questions about the vetting process that led to such a sensitive error.
An aide to one of the affected individuals, speaking anonymously, called the development “deeply troubling” and said it reflects a “lack of attention to detail at the highest level.”
A Yoruba youth leader also voiced concern, saying, “How can anyone mix up whether Pa Fasoranti is alive or not? It’s shocking. The man still receives visitors, gives interviews, and comments on national issues.”
Dr. Edwin Madunagu, who remains active in public discourse, has not issued a personal statement, but those close to him described the blunder as “regrettable” and “avoidable.”
Democracy Day, marked annually on June 12 to commemorate the return to civilian rule in 1999, is a moment to honour sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists.
This year’s edition featured an extended list of national figures celebrated for their roles in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
However, the inclusion of living icons under a category meant for the dead has overshadowed the solemnity of the day.
A civil society leader, Mr. Tunde Salawu, said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Presidency. “This is not just a typo. This is someone’s name. Someone’s life. Mistakes like this can be hurtful and symbolic. It tells a deeper story of negligence.”
The presidency has promised to update all official records and issue corrected documentation for the affected individuals.
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