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As Nigerians observed the Federal Government public holiday to mark democracy in Nigeria, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has directed the state’s Ministry of Housing to immediately give a face-lift to the house of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late MKO Abiola, at Gbagura.
Abiodun said Abiola’s house located at Oja Agbo, Abeokuta should be given a face-lift.
The Federal Government, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had named June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day, in celebration of what has been declared as Nigeria’s most credible presidential election and to honour, Abiola, who is widely regarded as the winner of the poll.
Recalled that the June 12, 1993, presidential election was annulled by the Gen Ibrahim Babangida military junta, while Abiola was jailed by the late Gen Sani Abacha, who would later hijack power from Interim President Ernest Shonekan.
In Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, directed Abiola house to be decorated.
According to the statement, "Abiodun wanted the family house of the late Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land to be befitting and conducive for many pro-democracies activists who would be visiting for the celebration.
The Deputy Head, Abiola's Clan, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, hailed the State Government for the gesture.
He said, “We are grateful to the state governor for this kind gesture. The fallen ceilings were replaced, the windows were touched and the old buildings are wearing new looks,” he said.
On his part, the son of the late business mogul, Ameen Abiola, extolled the governor benevolence aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the legacy and ideals of their late father.
