Calls Grow for Recognition of Senator Anthony Adefuye as June 12 Hero

Calls Grow for Recognition of Senator Anthony Adefuye as June 12 Hero

As Nigeria commemorates another anniversary of June 12, prominent voices are urging the Federal Government to correct what they describe as a glaring omission in the national honour roll — the exclusion of Senator (Chief) Anthony Adefuye from the list of democracy heroes.

In a statement signed by Hon. Babatunde Adesida and made available to the press, the call to include Adefuye in the June 12 Heroes Honour List was described as long overdue and essential to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Senator Adefuye was not just a participant in the June 12 movement; he was a strategic architect of its resistance,” the statement read. “He endured persecution, survived violent attacks during protests, and yet remained unwavering in his commitment to democratic ideals.”

The statement recalled how Adefuye’s residence in Akoka, Bariga served as a meeting point for the influential Afenifere group — gatherings that were instrumental in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s return to democratic rule. His dedication also led to his detention alongside notable figures, including the revered Pa Adekunle Ajasin, in Owo.

It further alleged that the Abacha regime repeatedly targeted Adefuye for elimination, underscoring his perceived threat to military authoritarianism at the time. His survival, the statement noted, is both miraculous and symbolic of his destined role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Hon. Adesida appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and relevant federal authorities to take swift action in acknowledging Adefuye’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

“A nation that fails to honour its true heroes undermines the very values they fought to uphold,” the statement concluded. “Justice delayed is democracy denied. Senator Adefuye’s place in history must be formally acknowledged.”

As conversations around the legacy of June 12 continue, advocates say that recognising all contributors, especially those whose sacrifices have been underappreciated, is key to fostering a more inclusive and truthful national narrative.