Sowore Vows To Sue Tinubu Over National Honour Listing, Rejects Any Recognition.
Prominent activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, vowing to take legal action for defamation if his name is included in any national honours list. The statement, made on Friday, 13 June 2025, via Sowore’s social media handles, comes amid speculation about potential recipients of Nigeria’s prestigious national awards in 2025. The outspoken critic of the Tinubu administration made it clear he would not only reject any such honour but also pursue legal redress, describing any attempt to include him as defamatory.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), reiterated his long-standing opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. “If I were mistakenly included by Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list, I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation,” he declared, according to posts shared on X. His remarks reflect his unwavering stance against what he perceives as a compromised political system, a position that has defined his activism for years.
The activist’s comments follow President Tinubu’s recent announcement on Democracy Day, 12 June 2025, granting posthumous honours and a state pardon to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, a move that has sparked discussions about the government’s intentions with national awards. Sowore’s reaction suggests he views any attempt to honour him as an effort to co-opt his activism or tarnish his reputation as a vocal critic of the administration’s policies, including its economic reforms and handling of political crises.
Sowore’s threat of legal action has ignited varied responses on social media. Some users, like @maestro_harcom, questioned the likelihood of Sowore being considered for an honour, with one post humorously asking, “Who dey give that egbon hope sef? National honor as per what gan gan?” Others, such as @DailyObserverNG, amplified Sowore’s statement, framing it as a bold stand against perceived political manipulation. The sentiment on X reflects a mix of support for Sowore’s defiance and scepticism about the relevance of his warning, with some suggesting it underscores his commitment to remaining an independent voice.
As a former presidential candidate who ran on a platform of systemic change, Sowore has consistently criticised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly on issues like fuel subsidy removal, rising inflation, and governance in the Niger Delta. His rejection of any potential honour aligns with his broader narrative of resisting what he calls a “corrupt establishment.” In 2019, Sowore was arrested and charged with treasonable felony over his #RevolutionNow protests, an experience that further solidified his distrust of state institutions.
The controversy comes at a time when Nigeria’s national honours, awarded annually to recognise contributions to national development, are under scrutiny. Critics argue the awards are often politicised, used to reward loyalty rather than merit. Sowore’s preemptive rejection signals a broader discontent among some activists who view such honours as attempts to dilute their advocacy.
As Nigeria navigates its 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, Sowore’s bold stance underscores the ongoing tension between the government and its critics. Whether his name appears on any honours list remains speculative, but his message is clear: he will not be silenced or co-opted. For now, the activist’s threat of legal action adds another layer of intrigue to Nigeria’s evolving political narrative, with the 2027 elections looming on the horizon.
