See Why Sowore Says Tinubu’s Award Could Have Landed in Court

Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stirred reactions online following his pointed response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day honours list. In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, June 13, Sowore declared that he would have taken legal action against President Tinubu if his name had appeared among those recognised with national awards.

The controversy erupted after President Tinubu, during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, conferred national honours on several individuals described as heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle. Among those celebrated were Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and retired General Alani Akinrinade, who were both elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Others honoured as Commanders of the Order of the Niger (CON) included civil rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Bishop Matthew Kukah, veteran journalist Dare Babarinsa, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Senator Shehu Sani, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

Sowore, known for his uncompromising stance on political accountability, responded sharply to the announcement. In his post, he emphasized that had the Tinubu administration included him in the honours list, he would have not only rejected the award but also initiated legal proceedings against the President, accusing him of defamation of character.

“Had my name appeared on that list, I’d have sued Tinubu for defamation. You don’t just associate my name with a government I don’t recognise or support,” Sowore wrote. He also posted a throwback photo of himself with the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, in a bid to reaffirm his longstanding commitment to the democratic ideals that June 12 represents.

Sowore’s statement has since sparked debate, with some applauding his principled stance, while others questioned his decision to politicize the honours.

Despite his vocal opposition to the current administration, Sowore remains a central figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, often using his platform to call for systemic reforms, human rights, and transparency in governance.

Check Out Sowore’s Post:

His sharp response adds yet another layer to the ongoing conversation about the meaning of national recognition in a democracy where political loyalty and historical accuracy often clash.

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