It was an unforgettable experience on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, as dignitaries from all walks of life across the country stormed the Abiola House,Ikeja home of acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Chief MKO Abiola for the MKO Abiola’s Epetedo Self Declaration 30th anniversary
The program which was
Governkor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, who arrived the venue in company of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Akinmade Ayinde and Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.
Among the “Who is who” in attendance include; founding father, Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, represented by Comrade Shehu Musa Shittu, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland represented Olubadan of Ibadanland – Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Veteran Nollywood Actor, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, alias Eda Onile – Ola and Prof Sabitu Ariyo Olagoke, JP, Leader ,Shafaudeen- In -Islam Worldwide,
Others are ,Engr (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), who doubles as a life Patron of Coaliton of Pro – Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria delivered the keynote address which centred on enviable heights of the Agency, Comrade Debo Adeniran, Comrade Ayo Adewale, Dr Wale Fasakin, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, former President, Petroleum Gas Workers’ Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN), Comrade Oyejide Salam, former Senate President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr Donatus Amatokwu, MKO Abiola N2000 (Proposal) Designer, Mr Sama Dafe Urhobo, Dr Mayowa Salami, Business Director, Maytowers NIG, Maytowers LLC USA, June 12 International Activist, Honourable Adewale Adeogun, DG, Tinubu Think Thank, Abuja Headquarters, Comrade Edmund Onyiriojwu, Comrade Dauda Alimi (Master), Pastor Olayiwola, Pastor Banji Ajayi, Elder, Campaign for Democracy (CD), Association of Deaf and Dumb of Nigeria led by Comrade Afolabi Dahunsi, who participated actively in June 12 struggle under the leadership of late President MKO Abiola and notable Religious Representatives, Civil Society Groups, Artisans, Trade Unionists, Business Moguls Students among others
Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat enumerated the cardinal achievements of the Government of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu over a period of one year aimed at turning the pain of June 12 Election Annulment to Gain of Present Administration with conclusion that greater Lagos is assured with support of everybody
Chief (Mrs) Bisi Abiola, Widow of late Hero and Hon Lola Edewor Abiola, 1st Daughter of late President MKO Abiola led the family’s side with support of Alhaja Aminat Irawo while Comrade Awa Bamiji, coordinated Coaliton of Pro – Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria, the brain behind Epetedo declaration @ 30 Anniversary.
The gathering extolled the virtues of late Symbol of Democracy and prayed for the continued repose of his soul, breaved family, June 12 Victims and Nation at large.
Comrade Awa Bamiji had earlier appeared on a live interview at MITV, Lagos Headquarters, earlier in the day and only for him to be spotted at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) at 5pm for another interview still on June 12 alongside Comrade Mashood Erubami while he granted interview at the venue courtesy of News Agency of Nigeria. Last Monday, FRCN, Ibadan, interviewed him also.
He used these various opportunities to emphasize on due recognition of late President MKO Abiola as former President of Nigeria in terms of his renumeration and emoluments that were due to the family while the notable June 12 Victims like Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK), Mashood Erubami, Mayegun, Richard Ogunderu, Abiodun Mustapha, Akin Orisagbemi, Toyin Okanlawon (Oklah), former Secretary, OAU Students’ Union Government, Abayomi Igbekoyi and notable others must be properly taken care of, to encourage geniune participation in the future struggles for A Better Nigeria
Recall that the late MKO Abiola declared himself 1993 President – Elect inside Epetedo Hall, after waiting endlessly for actualisation of his mandate without any positive result from the military Junta leading to his 5 years incarceration and at the end of it all, death at point of negotiating for his release by the United Nations.
Therefore, the 2 – day Programme which commenced yesterday with arrival of key Participants ended Today with the Public Lecture.
The live drawing of the picture of MKO Abiola by the youngest Virtual Artist in Nigeria, Moronkeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, 10 years old, caught the attention the Deputy Governor and other Dignitaries in attendance, complete job of which was presented to the Deputy Governor in the full glare of publicity.
Parents of this young Talent are members of the Coalition of Pro – Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria.It will be recalled that he drew Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu I, Oluwo of Iwoland earlier this year at a programme held in University of Ibadan as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and presented their individual portraits to them on the spot
Laying of Wreath followed immediately.
June 12 MKO lives on!
