By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Presidency has issued a public apology over the inadvertent inclusion of two highly respected Nigerians,Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu, in the posthumous category of national honours during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Our correspondent recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly on Thursday, recognized several distinguished citizens for their roles in advancing Nigeria’s democratic journey.
However, it was soon observed that both Pa Fasoranti and Dr. Madunagu, who are very much alive, had been mistakenly listed among the honourees receiving posthumous awards.
Responding swiftly to the unfortunate development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement acknowledging the mistake and extending a formal apology.
“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included,”
“Both distinguished Nigerians are alive and continue to contribute to national discourse. They should not have been placed in that category,”the statement read.
Mr. Onanuga attributed the misstep to a clerical error and emphasized that it did not in any way diminish the stature or contributions of the two men.
“We deeply regret this oversight and sincerely apologize to Pa Fasoranti, Dr. Madunagu, their families, and all Nigerians for the confusion and distress this error may have caused.
“Measures are being taken to immediately correct the records across all State House publications and digital platforms,”he said.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti is revered as a statesman and leader of Afenifere, a leading Yoruba socio-political organization. Dr. Edwin Madunagu is a respected journalist, academic, and long-time advocate for social justice and democracy.
The Presidency’s prompt acknowledgment of the error and public apology has been received as a demonstration of humility and responsibility, aligning with the values of openness and accountability that Democracy Day seeks to promote.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
