Dr Tunji Abayomi, SAN
A foremost human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Dr Tunji Abayomi, SAN, has said that pro-democracy activists from Ondo State deserve recognition in the golden jubilee anniversary celebration of the state’s creation .
He spoke on Monday during his contribution at the Ondo State at 50 Public Lecture held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure.
Abayomi insisted that history must properly document and honour those who paid the price for the Nigeria’s present democratic dispensation,.
He called Governor Lucky zOrisan Aiyedatiwa to formally recognise the sacrifices and struggles of leading figures who fought for Nigeria’s democracy,
Specifically, he mentioned the departed Justice Akinola Aguda, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC); Dr Frederick Fasehun, and other patriots who, according to him, worked in concert with the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the difficult years of military rule to ensure that Nigeria eventually returned to democratic governance.
He said the struggle for democracy was collective and costly, stressing that many of those who stood firmly against authoritarian rule suffered detention, harassment and persecution, yet remained steadfast in their commitment to freedom, justice and the rule of law.
Sharing a personal experience, Abayomi recalled that during one of his periods of incarceration by the military government, he encountered the handwriting of journalist and activist, Omoyele Sowore, on the wall of the detention facility, a moment he said underscored the depth, continuity and intergenerational nature of the pro-democracy struggle in Nigeria.
He stressed that more deliberate efforts must be made to document, project and preserve the contributions of sons and daughters of Ondo State who played critical roles in the fight for democracy and the stability of Nigeria.
According to him, recognising these contributions would not only honour past sacrifices but also educate younger generations on the values of courage, civic responsibility and patriotism.
The Ondo State at 50 Public Lecture formed part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the creation of the state and brought together government officials, legal practitioners, academics, traditional rulers, civil society actors, journalists and other stakeholders to reflect on the past, assess the present and chart a sustainable future for Ondo State and Nigeria.
