FACT CHECKS! MKO Abiola not the first non-president to receive GCFR title, Awolowo did in 1982

Findings by WWW.IDOMAVOICE.COM have revealed that the late Yoruba sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also conferred with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, without becoming Head of State or president.
The fact checks was prompted by the ongoing debate in the nation following the conferment of GCFR title on MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many lawyers have kicked against the decision, saying that the law does not empower the president to do so, saying that the title was reserved exclusively for only the number one citizen.
However, findings by this reporter have shown that President Shehu Shagari conferred the GCFR title on Awolowo in 1982 for his outstanding service to Nigeria before and after independence.

The picture of Chief Awolowo receiving the award and beaming with smiles in 1982 is currently hung at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

The award The process began in 1964 during the era of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa with enactment of National Honour Act 5 of 1964. There was a short break during the Military era especially during Generals Yakubu Gowon, Aguiyi Ironsi, Murtala Mohammed, Ibrahim Babangida and General Sanni Abacha.
There are EIGHT categories-GCFR, GCON, CFR, CON, OFR, OON, MFR and MON. GCFR is meant for past Heads of State. Only Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola had received GCFR without becoming Head of State.

Meanwhile, Section 1 of the National Honors Act No. 5 of 1964 gives unfettered discretion to the President to create title for award as national honour on any one who in his opinion deserves to be so honoured.

Findings by WWW.IDOMAVOIC.COM have revealed that the late Yoruba sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also conferred with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, without becoming Head of State or president.
The fact checks was prompted by the ongoing debate in the nation following the conferment of GCFR title on MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many lawyers have kicked against the decision, saying that the law does not empower the president to do so, saying that the title was reserved exclusively for only the number one citizen.

However, findings by the reporter have shown that President Shehu Shagari conferred the GCFR title on Awolowo in 1982 for his outstanding service to Nigeria before and after independence.

The picture of Chief Awolowo receiving the award and beaming with smiles in 1982 is currently hung at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

The award The process began in 1964 during the era of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa with enactment of National Honour Act 5 of 1964. There was a short break during the Military era especially during Generals Yakubu Gowon, Aguiyi Ironsi, Murtala Mohammed, Ibrahim Babangida and General Sanni Abacha.

There are EIGHT categories-GCFR, GCON, CFR, CON, OFR, OON, MFR and MON. GCFR is meant for past Heads of State. Only Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola had received GCFR without becoming Head of State.