…urge Tinubu to enact law on June 12 Democracy Day
The children of the late winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, have called on the Ogun State Government to urgently renovate and upgrade the Abiola family house in Abeokuta to a national monument in honour of their father’s democratic legacy.
Speaking during the annual prayer held at the family residence in Oja-Agbo, Gbagura, Abeokuta, the late icon’s children made passionate appeals to both the federal and state governments to immortalize MKO Abiola by preserving his ancestral home as a historical site.
One of Abiola’s sons, Abdulrahman Abiola, urged the Ogun State Government to take deliberate steps to preserve the family house, describing it as a significant symbol of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
“The Ogun State Government should turn the Abiola house into a national monument. Given his pedigree and invaluable contributions to the development of Nigeria, the family house at Oja Agbo, Gbagura, Abeokuta deserves to stand tall as a lasting tribute,” Abdulrahman said.
He added that converting the house into a monument would not only honour his father’s memory but also serve as an educational and historical site for future generations.
Also speaking, Ameen Abiola acknowledged the past recognition of their father’s legacy, including the posthumous conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he stressed the need for more concrete actions to protect that legacy.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to back the June 12 Democracy Day with legislation to ensure its permanence in Nigeria’s democratic calendar.
“It is our passionate appeal that President Tinubu should sponsor and sign into law a bill that will permanently designate June 12 as Democracy Day. This will prevent any future attempt to erase the significance of that day from our national consciousness,” Ameen said.
He warned that younger generations are already showing signs of detachment from Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly the sacrifice made by MKO Abiola, as evidenced by growing online misinformation and apathy.
“Some youths do not fully grasp the values and the enormous sacrifice of our late father. What we see on social media is troubling. That’s why steps must be taken now to enshrine his legacy permanently,” he said.
Ameen emphasized that President Tinubu, who was a close ally of MKO Abiola during the June 12 struggle, is best positioned to champion this cause.
“We believe the president understands better than anyone what our father stood for. He has the moral and political duty to ensure that our father’s legacy is preserved for eternity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold democratic ideals.
Abiodun described MKO Abiola as a “legend and a worthy son of the state” whose contributions to Nigeria’s return to democracy remain unparalleled.
“The government of Ogun State will continue to stand by the principles of democracy, justice, equity, and good governance. MKO Abiola’s sacrifices will always occupy a special place in our hearts and in the history of this country,” he said.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
