Both Fasoronti, the leader of Afenifere, and Madunagu, an author and mathematician, are alive.
The presidency has issued an apology for mistakenly listing Reuben Fasoranti and Edwin Madunagu among the posthumous recipients of national honours during President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address. Both men — Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Madunagu, a renowned author and mathematician — are alive.
President Tinubu had conferred national honours on 66 individuals on Thursday, recognising their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey. Among those rightly honoured posthumously were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, and Humphrey Nwosu. However, the inclusion of Fasoranti and Madunagu in the posthumous category triggered widespread reactions online.
Reacting to the blunder, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the mix-up as an “oversight.” He stated: “We acknowledge the error and deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused the families and the individuals concerned.” The presidency has not clarified how the mistake occurred.