Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday praised the departed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola for sacrificing his life to restore democracy
.
He said Abiola’s heroic death reignited a renewed patriotic consciousness among Nigerians to defend democratic values, and safeguard the nation’s democratic journey.
Adeleke, who spoke at an event held at Adolak Hotel, Osogbo, to commemorate the annulled election, Nigeria’s best ever,
described the Abiola as a symbol of democracy, sacrifice, and national unity.
“Chief Abiola paid the ultimate price in the struggle to reclaim his stolen mandate.
“After declaring himself the rightful winner in what is now known as the Epetedo Declaration, he was arrested, detained, and charged with treason. His tragic death became a rallying point that awakened Nigerians to rise in defense of their democratic rights,” the governor stated.
He stressed the significance of June 12, a day now recognized as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, marking it as a pivotal moment that reshaped the country’s democratic trajectory.
“As we commemorate June 12, we honour the sacrifices of our heroes, especially MKO Abiola, whose courage and conviction inspired a nation. The 1993 election remains the freest, fairest, and most peaceful in Nigeria’s history. Unfortunately, it was unjustly annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida,” he said.
He lauded former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Democracy Day, describing the move as a courageous step that corrected a grave historical injustice and restored dignity to Abiola’s memory and the Nigerian people’s democratic aspirations.
Adeleke emphasised the need for democracy to go beyond elections, and be grounded in justice, accountability, transparency, and equity, stressing that democratic governance must tangibly benefit the people.
“As we celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, we must recommit to building strong democratic institutions that promote inclusive development and citizen empowerment,” he said.
He highlighted his administration’s achievements under the Five-Point Development Agenda, including:
Infrastructure: Provision of potable borehole water in all 332 electoral wards, extensive road construction and rehabilitation, and rural electrification through transformer supply.
Healthcare: Over 18,000 beneficiaries reached through the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach, with 3,332 enrollees under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).
Economic Development: Regular payment of workers’ salaries, clearance of half of the inherited salary arrears, and support to farmers through fertilizer subsidies to boost food production.
“We are building a resilient, inclusive democracy that delivers for all. However, we are not blind to the challenges — economic hardship, social inequality, and threats to national unity persist. Yet, our resolve to overcome them is unwavering.”
The governor urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day celebration as a time to reflect and recommit to the ideals of democratic governance.
“Let us work hand in hand to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn. Let us defend our democracy and uphold the principles of justice, equality, and freedom,” he urged.
