The Ooni of Ife and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Thursday led an eminent delegation of traditional rulers to the Joint Session of the National Assembly, held inside the Green Chamber in Abuja, as part of events marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
The special session, addressed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was highlighted by the announcement of the latest recipients of Nigeria’s prestigious national honours across various categories including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The royal delegation, drawn from all six geopolitical zones of the country, included HRH Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Abali Ibn Idris, CFR, North East Coordinator and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Ogadagidi I of Eden Ani Ogwugwu Kingdom and Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers; and HRH Alhaji Muhammad Isha Muhammad, Emir of Jama’a and Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Also in attendance were HRM Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Paramount Ruler of Mobaland and South West NCTRN Coordinator; HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo, Och’Idoma and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers; and HRH King (Amb) Dr Appolus Chu, OFR, Oneh-Eh Nchia, Egbere Emere Okori I of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State.
President Tinubu, in his address, emphasised the significance of recognising individuals whose sacrifices and contributions have shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey, national development, and cultural identity. Among the honourees were Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and former Minister of External Affairs Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who were each awarded the GCON.
Also honoured were veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga and human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who both received the CON. Others included veteran journalist Dare Babarinsa, media executive Dapo Olorunyomi, and publisher Seye Kehinde, who were each conferred with the OON.
In a solemn moment of national reflection, posthumous honours were also awarded to legendary activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, renowned human rights advocate Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, OPC founder Dr Frederick Faseun, labour icon Comrade Frank Kokori, and respected Afenifere chieftain Chief Ayo Fasanmi, in recognition of their enduring legacy in the fight for justice and democracy.
The presence of the traditional rulers at the National Assembly underscored the enduring role of Nigeria’s royal institutions in promoting unity, peace, and the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage amid its democratic evolution.