Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, marked on June 12, following President Bola Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly and the announcement of national honors for select heroes of the June 12 struggle.
Speaking during an interactive session with senior journalists in Lagos, Soyinka said while he appreciates the government’s move to recognize some figures in the democratic struggle, many key heroes were left out. However, he believes the honored individuals symbolize the sacrifices made by others who fought for democracy during Nigeria’s darkest years.
Soyinka warned against downplaying the significance of June 12, stressing that the date represents a turning point in Nigeria’s political history — a time when citizens were tortured, imprisoned, and even killed by the military regime.
The renowned author and human rights advocate praised the theme-based recognition and revealed that he would dedicate his national honor to the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a fearless defender of human rights and democracy who suffered repeated detentions during the military era.
Professor Soyinka also made a passionate call for justice, urging the Tinubu administration to launch full investigations into unresolved political assassinations, including the killings of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Chief Bola Ige. He said uncovering the truth behind these deaths would bring closure to their families and the nation, noting that Nigerians at home and abroad may hold critical information to aid such probes.
