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It was a day of tributes at the Ikeja, Lagos residence of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola.
Dignitaries from walks of life stormed the residence on June 12, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Abiola’s Epetedo self-declaration as president.
The event, which was put together by the Coaliton of Pro-Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria and Abiola’s family, had in attendance Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.
Also in attendance were founding father, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, who was represented by Comrade Shehu Musa Shittu; Oloye Lekan Alabi, Maye Olubadan of Ibadan land represented Olubadan- designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Lere Paimo, aka Eda Onile Ola; Prof Sabitu Olagoke (JP), Leader, Shafaudeen Islamic Center Worldwide; Engr (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), who is also a Life Patron of Coaliton of Pro-Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria; Comrade Debo Adeniran, Comrade Ayo Adewale, Dr Wale Fasakin, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, former President,Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); Comrade Oyejide Salam, former Senate President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Mr Donatus Amatokwu, Mr Sama Dafe Urhobo, Dr Mayowa Salami, Business Director, Maytowers NG, Maytowers LLC USA and June 12 activist; Hon Adewale Adeogun, Director General, Tinubu Think Tank, Abuja; Comrade Edmund Onyiriojwu, Comrade Dauda Alimi (Master), Pastor Olayiwola, Pastor Banji Ajayi, Elder, Campaign for Democracy (CD); Comrade Afolabi Dahunsi, who actively participated in the June 12 struggle, religious leaders, civil society organisations, artisans, trade unions, business moguls, students, among others.
Speaking, Hamzat enumerated the achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration in the last one year, which he said was aimed at turning the pains of June 12, 1993 election annulment into the gains of the present administration, adding that greater Lagos is possible with the support of everybody.
Chief (Mrs) Bisi Abiola and Hon Lola Abiola-Edewor, one of the widows and first daughter of late MKO Abiola respectively, spoke on behalf of of the family.
Comrade Awa Bamiji, the National Coordinator, Coaliton of Pro -Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria, the organisers of the event, extolled the virtues of Abiola and prayed for the continued repose of his soul.
He urged the government to take care of victims of June 12 election, such as Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK), Comrade Mashood Erubami, Segun Mayegun, Richard Ogunderu, Abiodun Mustapha, Akin Orisagbemi, Toyin Okanlawon (Oklah), former Secretary, OAU Students’ Union Government; Abayomi Igbekoyi among others, to encourage genuine participation in the future struggle for a better Nigeria.
The highlight of the two-day event was the live sketching of MKO Abiola’s picture by 10-year-old Moronkeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, which caught the attention of the deputy governor and other dignitaries at the event. The drawing was presented to the deputy governor as a souvenir.
Recall that Moronkeji had earlier in the year drew Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State during a programme held at University of Ibadan. He presented their individual portraits to them during the programme.
Prayers were offered at the graveside of Abiola and also for his family, victims of June 12 election and the nation at large. Wreaths were laid on Abiola’s tomb by attendees.