Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, Senator Adam Oshiomhole, and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the June 12 anniversary commemoration in Akure on Friday
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and elder statesman, the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, on Friday called for deeper democratic reforms, stronger security coordination and sustained commitment to democratic governance.
They spoke at this year’s June 12 anniversary in Akure, which attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, youths, civil society organisations and security agencies in a broad-based commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Aiyedatiwa described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a continuing benchmark for credible elections anchored on accountability, rule of law and public trust.
He stressed that democracy is not a finished project but an evolving process requiring constant strengthening of institutions.
He noted that the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, remained the clearest expression of the people’s will and should serve as a reference point for electoral integrity and democratic conduct.
According to him, the anniversary offered an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, particularly as the country moves towards another election cycle in 2027 amid persistent security challenges.
The Governor warned that insecurity remains a direct threat to democratic consolidation, stating that violence, fear and instability weaken civic participation and erode public confidence in governance.
He maintained that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated or unsafe.
He paid tribute to Oba Olu Falae, describing him as a respected elder statesman and enduring voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
He also commended Oshiomhole for what he described as an insightful lecture drawn from lived experience in labour activism and governance.
Reaffirming June 12 as a national benchmark for credible elections and unity, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing federal efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly security coordination through the National Security Council and inter-agency collaboration.
On state security architecture, he reaffirmed commitment under the OUR EASE Agenda to strengthening safety, infrastructure development and welfare-driven governance.
He disclosed that the Amotekun Corps had been strengthened through enrolment into the Contributory Pension Scheme, introduction of medical allowances, and recruitment of 500 additional personnel to improve operational capacity.
Aiyedatiwa said the measures were aimed at closing security gaps and sustaining peace across the state, stressing that development cannot thrive in insecurity.
He sympathised with victims of recent attacks and abductions in the country and called for collective action against insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with civility, insisting that eligible voters must participate freely without intimidation or violence, and that every vote must count.
On State Police, the Governor declared that Ondo State is fully prepared for the proposed initiative.
“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time. Even during the time of my late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwaroritimi Akeredolu, SAN, the structure that had been built, which I’ve also further strengthened. We have the structure, we have the people and all that is left for the approval of needed weapons and equipment.
“Yes, we have some equipment already that the law permits. But we need to further fortify them with more sophisticated equipment that will make them to be more effective and functional in the charge of their duty”, he said.
In his lecture, Oshiomhole described June 12 as a symbol of courage, resilience and democratic conviction anchored on the legacy of the late MKO Abiola, whom he called the conscience of the Nigerian nation.
He said Abiola’s refusal to abandon his mandate under military pressure from General Ibrahim Babangida and later General Sani Abacha made him a global symbol of democratic struggle and sacrifice.
Oshiomhole recalled his role as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during negotiations with the military regime, acknowledging Oba Olu Falae’s role in labour-government engagements in those years.
According to him, the 1993 election demonstrated rare national unity, with Nigerians voting across ethnic and religious lines.
He said: “In celebrating Abiola, we are celebrating courage, consistency, doggedness, commitment to nation and fearlessness. He stood firm for democracy and he stood firm for Nigeria.”
He criticised rising religious influence in politics, saying: “Religion has become an issue in a way that distorts political understanding.”
He added: “Talking about June 12 is to remind ourselves that we had Nigerians who commanded respect across the North, South, East and West.”
Oshiomhole also said Nigeria has made democratic progress since 1999, citing reforms such as BVAS and provisions allowing suspension of elections where technology fails.
On the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), he defended National Assembly scrutiny following audit reports alleging about ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds, insisting it was an oversight duty.
He backed President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, describing subsidy as a source of corruption and distortion.
He also criticised the abolition of History as a school subject, describing it as misplaced and arguing that young Nigerians must know their origins.
On his own part, Oba Olu Falae recounted sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, describing it as a watershed in Nigeria’s political evolution.
He said Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Abiola in a credible election that was annulled, triggering national outrage and resistance.
He noted that the annulment led to organised resistance, including the formation of NADECO and sustained opposition to military rule.
Falae warned that military rule must never return to Nigeria, noting that the struggle involved detention, exile and loss of lives but paved the way for the present democratic order.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, said June 12 symbolises hope, unity and the collective will of Nigerians, adding that it laid the foundation for modern democratic governance.
He commended Oba Falae and Senator Oshiomhole for their sacrifices and urged renewed commitment to defending democratic values against insecurity, institutional mistrust and civic apathy.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole; members of the House of Assembly; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; religious leaders; labour leaders; and heads of security agencies.
