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Preparation is at an advance stage to celebrate the 27th anniversary of Epetedo declaration by the Late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola by a socio-political group, the Coalition for A Better Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the group said the celebration will hold on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the old Epetedo Hall, now Eleganza Sports Centre, Lagos Island, Lagos, by 11am.
The theme for the event is ‘2023 general election: How to avoid a repeat of 1983 and 1993 post elections’ violence,’ and the discussants include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former member of House of Representatives and Chairman, West African Writers’ Association, Dr Wale Okediran.
The chairman of the occasion are; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Acting Leader, Egbe Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba.
“Special Guest of Honour is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives’ Congress (APC) while Guests of Honour are the Governors of Ogun,Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
“Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State is the Chief Host.
“Hosts are Hon Kamal Bashua and Prince Adetoyese Olusi, the Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA and Lagos Island Local Government respectively.
“Father of the Day is Senator Anthony Adefuye, Secretary, Yoruba Unity Forum and Mother of the Day will be Princess Bisi Sangodoyin, an Ibadan-based gender activist.
“Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede; Oba (Comrade) Abiodun Sowumi and Comrade Segun Mayegun, former NANS President will also speak at the event.
“Keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Royal Fathers of the day are Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife,” the statment added.
According to Awa, COVID-19 protocols will be strictly adhered to, adding that Nigerians will be able to watch the event online from the comfort of their homes.
In 1994, MKO Abiola declared himself the lawful president of Nigeria in Epetedo area of Lagos Island after the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. The declaration is what is now known as the Epetedo declaration.